Google has announced that Chrome will no longer support older versions of Android starting in August. If your device is running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or Android 9.0 (Pie), you will not receive updates for the Chrome browser after version 139 is released in early August 2025.
This decision means that users with Android 8 and 9 will be stuck on Chrome version 138, as future updates will require Android 10 or newer. This lack of compatibility will result in users missing out on the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.
In a support article, Google stated:
Chrome 138 will be the last version to support Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie). Chrome 139, set to be released on August 5th, 2025, will require Android 10.0 or later. Users need to upgrade to Android 10.0 or newer to continue receiving Chrome updates.
— Google support article
While older versions of Chrome will still function, there will be no further updates for users on Android 8 and 9. Google advises users to transition to a supported Android 10.0 version or newer to ensure they receive the latest security updates and features from Chrome.
— Google support article
Despite the inconveniences this may bring, the impact is expected to be minimal as most devices are already running on newer versions of Android. Android 9 is only installed on 6% of devices, while Android 8 and 8.1 combined make up around 4%. This totals to approximately 10% of Android devices, indicating that the majority of users are on more current software.
While Chrome will continue to work on older devices for a period, lack of updates may lead to compatibility issues over time. This move aligns with industry standards where companies gradually phase out support for outdated platforms in favor of modern and secure systems.
If you are still using a device running on Android 8 or 9, now is a good time to consider updating your operating system or exploring newer devices that can accommodate future software changes.
