Starting August 5, 2025, users of Android 8 and 9 will no longer receive Chrome updates. Google has decided to discontinue support for these versions, potentially impacting security and performance.
Google Chrome: If you are using a smartphone with Android 8 (Oreo) or Android 9 (Pie), this news is crucial for you. Google has recently announced that it will be ending support for Chrome browser on these older Android versions. Chrome version 138 will be the last update for these operating systems, and this change will take effect on August 5, 2025.
What’s the situation?
Google has officially announced that Chrome browser version 138 will be the last update available for Android 8 and Android 9. Following this, Chrome versions 139 and beyond will only be installable and operable on Android 10 or newer versions.
This means that Chrome updates will cease for Android Oreo and Pie devices. While the Chrome application will continue to function on these devices, it will no longer receive new features, security updates, or performance improvements.
This Change Will Take Effect on August 5, 2025
Google has set a specific date for this change – August 5, 2025. After this date, devices with Android 8 or 9 will no longer be able to download new Chrome versions. While Chrome may open, it will gradually become vulnerable to security flaws, and the browsing experience will be negatively affected.
Why Did Google Make This Decision?
Google stated in its announcement that this decision is based on technical reasons. Android 8 and 9 were launched in 2017 and 2018, respectively. These operating systems are now significantly outdated in terms of technology. Implementing new technologies and security systems on these versions is not only difficult but also requires considerable resources.
Google now intends to focus its development efforts on more modern Android versions, such as Android 10, 11, 12, and beyond. This will allow the company to make Chrome more secure, faster, and user-friendly.
Billions of Users Will Be Affected
While a large number of people in countries like India have shifted to new smartphones, a significant number of users worldwide, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are still using budget smartphones that often run on Android 8 or 9 operating systems.
This decision serves as a warning for these users, as they will no longer receive the latest Chrome browser features and security layers. It could lead to slower, less secure, and technologically outdated browsing experiences for them.
Google’s Advice to Users
Google advises users who are still running Android Oreo or Pie to upgrade their smartphones to Android 10 or a newer version as soon as possible. This will ensure they receive all future Chrome updates, new features, and security patches.
If upgrading a device is not possible (due to hardware limitations, for example), Google suggests that purchasing a new device may be the safest option.
What Does This Decision Indicate?
Google’s move is not limited to Chrome alone. It also reflects a broader trend in the technology industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on modern platforms rather than older systems. This will lead to more secure, faster, and smarter software.
It also underscores the importance for smartphone users to regularly update their devices and operating systems to stay current with features and ensure data security.
