Global web performance scores from Google’s PageSpeed Insights are expected to increase after the platform integrated Lighthouse 13.6.0, an update released Oct. 27 that enhances page loading simulation.
The update primarily improves the accuracy of simulated First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) metrics, which are key components of web page loading performance, according to Google.
Websites, particularly single-page applications (SPAs) that rely heavily on JavaScript, are likely to experience the most significant changes in their scores, said web performance consultant Barry Pollard.
Lighthouse 13.6.0 refines Lantern’s simulation accuracy by incorporating Chrome’s render-blocking label and improving LCP estimation for text content appearing within the initial frame, Google explained.
The Agentic Resource Discovery (ARD) audit within Lighthouse 13.6 now accurately verifies the presence of ‘ard.json’ and other updated manifest locations, according to Google.
Developers tracking performance improvements should compare field data and ensure they use the same Lighthouse version for consistent analysis, as lab scores may show an artificial jump due to the new simulation methods, advised Ivan Akulov, a web performance expert.
Chrome 159, which will include Lighthouse 13.6 within its DevTools, is scheduled for a stable release on Dec. 8, Google reported.
Source: Search Engine Journal
