Starting this August, Google will stop supporting Chrome updates for devices running on older Android versions. If you’re still using Android 8.0 (Oreo) or Android 9.0 (Pie), you won’t be able to receive future Chrome browser updates after version 139, expected in early August 2025. Chrome 138 will be the final update available for these Android versions.
From Chrome 139 onward, Android 10 or later will be required for updates.
According to a recent update on Google’s support page, Chrome 138 will be the last version compatible with Android 8.0 and 9.0. Starting with version 139, the browser will require Android 10 or newer. So, if you’re using an older device, you’ll miss out on the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements unless you upgrade your OS.
Although this change may be frustrating for users on older phones, the overall impact should be minimal. Android 9 is only found on about 6% of devices, and Android 8.x (Oreo) accounts for roughly 4%. This means less than 10% of Android users will be affected. Most devices are already running newer software.
It’s important to note that older versions of Chrome won’t suddenly stop working, but they will no longer receive updates. As websites evolve, these older versions might struggle with compatibility, making them outdated over time. That said, the timeline for this transition isn’t surprising. Android 8.0 (Oreo) was released in 2017, and Android 9.0 (Pie) came in 2018. These versions are now 8 and 7 years old, respectively. Even Android 10, which is now the minimum requirement, was launched in 2019.
In line with the broader tech trend, companies often phase out support for older systems to focus resources on more modern and secure platforms. If you’re still using Android 8 or 9, it might be time to consider updating your OS-or even upgrading to a newer device that can support future app and browser features.
To ensure your device stays secure and up to date, check if you can upgrade to Android 10 or a newer version. This change highlights the importance of keeping up with tech updates to maintain security and functionality in your apps.