Google has confirmed Chrome 138 will be the final version to support macOS Big Sur. Chrome 139 and newer will require macOS Monterey or later.
Google Ends Chrome Support for macOS Big Sur with Version 138
If you’re still running macOS Big Sur, now’s the time to consider an upgrade. Google has confirmed that Chrome 138 will be the last version of its browser to support macOS 11, officially marking the end of the line for Big Sur users.
According to Google’s Chrome Platform Status page, Chrome 139 and all future versions will require macOS Monterey (macOS 12) or newer. Chrome 138 will continue to run on Big Sur, but without future updates or security patches, it’s not recommended for continued use.
On Macs running macOS 11, Chrome will continue to work, showing a warning infobar, but will not update any further. If a user wishes to have their Chrome be updated, they need to update their computer to a support version of macOS.
Why This Matters
Chrome is one of the most-used browsers globally, and ending support for an operating system means more than just the lack of new features. Without updates, users become vulnerable to security exploits and incompatibilities with modern websites.
macOS Big Sur was launched in November 2020, and marked Apple’s shift toward a refreshed UI and native support for Apple Silicon. But nearly five years later, it’s no surprise that developers like Google are sunsetting support for older versions.
What You Should Do
- Update your Mac: If your device supports it, upgrade to macOS Monterey or later to continue receiving Chrome updates.
- Switch browsers: Alternatives like Mozilla Firefox still support macOS 11 (for now).
- Be cautious: Continuing to use an outdated browser can expose you to security risks and compatibility issues.
Wrap Up
Chrome 138 for macOS Big Sur is the end of the road. Whether you update your macOS or explore other browser options, now’s the time to act if you want to stay secure and up-to-date online.
Comments