Google to stop Chrome updates for older Android versions: Should you be worried?

Google has officially announced that it will discontinue support for its Chrome browser on several older Android versions in the upcoming weeks. This decision was outlined on a Google support page, which states that Chrome will now require Android 10 or newer to function. As a result, devices running Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie) will no longer receive updates starting in early August this year. The transition will begin with the rollout of the Chrome 139 update, tentatively scheduled for release on August 5, 2025. For users of older Android devices, there is a silver lining: while Google Chrome will cease to receive new updates, the existing versions will continue to operate. Although these older versions will eventually become obsolete, that timeline could still span months, if not years, into the future. In the support announcement, Google stated, "Chrome 138 is the last version of Chrome that will support Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie). Chrome 139 will be the first version that mandates Android 10.0 or later." Users are encouraged to upgrade to Android 10.0 or above to keep receiving the latest security enhancements and features. As of April 2025, Android 9 is currently utilized by 6% of Android devices, with Android 8 and 8.1 accounting for around 4%. While this may seem like a small percentage, these versions have reached the end of their lifecycle; Android 8 was launched in 2017, while Android 9 debuted in 2018. This marks a significant period since their initial release, and users are urged to consider upgrading to stay current with technology and security standards.