El End of Google Chrome support on macOS Big Sur It's already a reality. If you own one of the Macs that still run this version of the operating system, you should be aware of the changes, since the future browser updates will no longer be available For you. In a move that marks the end of a period, Google has announced that Chrome 138 is the last edition of its browser compatible with macOS 11.
Starting with the release of Chrome 139, scheduled for later this month, Only users who have a Mac updated to macOS 12 Monterey or higher You'll be able to enjoy the latest updates and security patches for the popular web browser. If, for any reason, your computer is still on Big Sur, you'll have to choose between upgrading to a newer version of macOS, changing browsers, or continuing to use Chrome even though it's outdated and therefore exposed to potential threats.
Why is Google stopping updating Chrome in Big Sur?
The decision Ending support for Chrome on macOS 11 It's no coincidence. As Google explained, keeping the browser updated on operating systems that no longer have official Apple support poses a security risk for users. With each new version of macOS, protective measures and features advance, leaving previous versions further and further behind in terms of protection against vulnerabilities.
In the official statement, the company states: "Chrome 138 will be the last version to work with macOS 11, as Apple has discontinued support for it." Starting with Chrome 139 and later, you will only be able to install the browser if you have macOS 12 or later. This affects not only future features, but also the security patches so necessary to avoid incidents in daily navigation.
What will happen if you continue using Chrome in Big Sur?
In case your team stays with Big Sur macOS, you can still use Chrome 138, but you will notice certain changes. The browser will continue to function normally, although A warning will appear indicating that you do not have the latest version.. This means that you will stop receiving improvements, new features and, above all, protective measures against newly discovered threatsStaying on an older version can lead to compatibility issues and leave your device more vulnerable to attacks or bugs that won't be fixed.
Additionally, Chromium-based browsers, such as Brave or Arc, could adopt the same policy and stop updating in macOS 11. Therefore, it's important to consider your options to avoid being left unprotected while browsing.
Affected Macs and alternatives for Big Sur users
Mac models that can't be updated to macOS 12 tend to be older computers. If you have a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro manufactured before 2015, or an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro manufactured before 2013, your computer is likely no longer receiving new versions of macOS, and therefore, future versions of Chrome.
Given this situation, What can users do? The main options are:
- Upgrade to macOS Monterey or higher, if your equipment allows it.
- Find alternative browsers that continue to receive updates in Big Sur, such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Opera.
- Use Chrome 138 at your own risk, knowing that you will not receive further updates or security patches.
- In advanced cases, resort to tools such as OpenCore Legacy Patcher to force the installation of newer versions of macOS on unsupported machines, although this is not an official or risk-free option.
Tips for checking your macOS version and updating
If you have any doubts about the system version you have installed, go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac. From this section, you can see if there are any new updates available or confirm if your device has already been discontinued. For those who can update, simply tap "Update Now" and follow the on-screen prompts.
Always keeping your operating system and browser updated is the best way to Protect your information and enjoy all the modern features that these tools offer. While Big Sur once represented a visual and functional revolution for Mac users, its life cycle for Chrome is coming to an end, prompting many to consider changing their system, browser, or even their device.
This change in Google's policy marks the end of a period for many Macs running macOS Big Sur. To continue browsing safely and without complications, updating your device and system will be necessary. Although there are alternatives, the key to protection lies in keeping everything up to date.
