Google is about to stop chrome updates for many Apple users: Here’s what that means

Chrome

• Google will stop updating Chrome for Macs running macOS Monterey later this year
• Chrome will still work but won't get security fixes or new features on Monterey
• Monterey users may need a new browser or device upgrade for updates.

Did our AI summary help?

If you use Google Chrome on an older Mac, there’s a good chance an important change is headed your way.

According to a recent report, Google plans to stop updating Chrome for Macs running macOS Monterey later this year. Monterey came out in 2021 and is still used by millions of people, especially those with older MacBooks and iMacs that can’t be upgraded any further.

Chrome won’t suddenly disappear from these machines. The browser will still open and work, at least for now. The bigger issue is what users won’t get anymore. Once updates stop, Chrome on these Macs will no longer receive security fixes or new improvements.

That’s a bigger deal than it sounds. Browser updates are often the first line of defence against online threats. Without them, even everyday browsing can slowly become riskier, especially as new security problems are discovered and left unfixed.

So why is this happening? In short, Apple has moved on. Apple no longer fully supports macOS Monterey, and when that happens, other companies usually follow. Keeping apps updated on older systems gets harder and more expensive over time, and most software makers eventually decide to draw a line.

What this means for users depends on their Mac. If your device can be upgraded to a newer version of macOS, you should be fine. Chrome updates will continue as usual. But if your Mac is stuck on Monterey, you’ll have to make a choice.

Some people may keep using Chrome without updates, at least for a while. Others might switch to a different browser that still supports older systems. And for some, this could be another nudge toward buying a new device, even if their current one still works perfectly well.

That last part is what frustrates many users. Older Macs are often reliable and fast enough for daily tasks, yet changes like this make them feel outdated overnight. Critics also point out that pushing people to upgrade sooner adds to electronic waste.

For now, the advice is simple. Check which version of macOS your Mac supports. Pay attention to update notices from Chrome. And if your browser stops getting updates, be extra careful about what you click and where you browse.

It’s another reminder that in today’s tech world, staying secure online often depends as much on software support as it does on the device you’re using.