Google has officially announced that Chrome version 138 will be the final update to support macOS Big Sur (version 11). Starting with Chrome version 139, expected to be released in late July or August 2025, the browser will require macOS Monterey (version 12) or later. This marks a significant shift in Google’s browser support policy for Apple operating systems.
As a result, users still running macOS Big Sur will no longer receive new features, security patches, or performance improvements in Chrome beyond version 138. While the browser will continue to function on these older systems, the absence of ongoing updates leaves users vulnerable to potential security risks, compatibility issues with new web technologies, and degraded performance over time.
This decision is aligned with Apple’s own software support lifecycle, as macOS Big Sur is no longer receiving active security updates from Apple. Google emphasizes the importance of upgrading to macOS Monterey or newer to maintain optimal security standards and take advantage of the latest browser capabilities. For users who cannot upgrade their macOS due to hardware limitations, alternative browsers such as Firefox may provide temporary relief, but these too may eventually phase out support for older macOS versions.
The move reflects a broader industry trend toward focusing resources on current and actively supported operating systems, aiming to deliver better security, performance, and feature innovation. Users are encouraged to plan their upgrades accordingly to ensure continued protection and seamless web browsing experiences.
