Google Chrome Ends Support for Android 8 and 9

Google’s Chrome web browser will continue to support Android 8 (Oreo) and 9 (Pie) until version 138, which is expected on Tuesday. At the beginning of August, Chrome 139 will require Android 10 or later.

In a support article from the evening, the Google Chrome developers describe why the previous braids were cut. If you want to use the most recent Chrome versions, make sure your smartphone is running Android 10.0 or later.

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Older Versions will Still Function

The developers go on to say that older Google Chrome versions will still function. However, users of these out-of-date operating systems will not receive any more updates.

On the support page, they state, “We advise you to update to a supported Android version (or newer) if you are currently running Android 8 or 9 to make sure you continue receiving the latest security updates and Chrome features.”

Since cell phones are now used for online commerce and service access, those who are impacted shouldn’t undervalue the security component. Many websites may soon no longer be accessible in browsers due to the absence of future updates, including certifications.

But the issue is more profound. Numerous unpatched security flaws in older Android versions have previously been and are being exploited online.

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How Android 12 Users Can Stay Secure Without Official Updates

Google stopped releasing new security upgrades for Android 12 and 12L at the end of March this year. This impacts devices such as the Google Pixel 3a and Samsung Galaxy S10 models that no longer receive security upgrades for the core system.

Device makers may still safeguard the systems by backporting patches themselves, though. An extended (and safer) life for the outdated hardware can also be achieved using alternative operating systems like LineageOS or GrapheneOS.