Google Chrome remains the leading browser on Android, catering to various device sizes and types. To accommodate the diverse Android ecosystem, Google ensures that new releases of Chrome maintain compatibility with older operating system versions, only discontinuing support when absolutely necessary. Most recently, in November 2023, they ceased compatibility with Android 7.0 Nougat. Now, Chrome is preparing to drop support for two more OS versions: Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0.
Ellen T, the Chrome Support Manager, shared on the Chrome support forums that the end of support for these versions will coincide with the release of Chrome 139, which is set for August 5, 2025. This means that Chrome 138 will be the final version compatible with Android 8.0 and 9.0. Users will no longer receive updates for newer versions of Chrome via the Play Store. Although users can continue using Chrome 138 on their older devices without any immediate issues, the lack of future updates will mean missing out on new features and critical security fixes.
Over time, the browsing experience on these older devices is expected to decline further. It’s interesting to note that older Android versions still maintain a significant presence. Android 8.0 was launched in August 2017 and is still used on over 4% of devices, while Android 9.0 accounts for approximately 5.8%. In contrast, as of late April, only 10.2% of devices are operating on Android 10, indicating that Chrome will likely continue to support this version for years to come.
For users willing to consider alternatives, switching to a different browser might be a viable option. Firefox for Android is compatible with Android 5.0 Lollipop and later versions, making it a good choice. However, given the age of the OS, users might find other browsers may not be compatible either. Ultimately, upgrading to a newer Android device could be the best long-term solution.
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