There’s no denying that Chrome reigns supreme as the leading web browser across the globe. It’s likely that you’re currently utilizing it to read this piece. However, if you’re on a Mac, particularly one that’s a bit older, there’s some important news ahead: Google is poised to discontinue Chrome support for your device soon.

In a recent update shared via the Chrome Platform Status page, Google revealed that the latest iteration, Chrome 138, will be the final version compatible with macOS 11, also referred to as macOS Big Sur. Once Chrome 139 is rolled out, it will only support macOS 12 and newer.

Don’t panic; Chrome won’t instantly vanish from machines operating on Big Sur. Users will still be able to browse the internet, even if the software isn’t getting further updates. The crucial difference, however, is that the version of Chrome on Big Sur will cease to receive updates, especially security fixes. Security updates are vital for safely navigating the web, as vulnerabilities are bound to arise. Developers usually race to ensure these are resolved swiftly to prevent malicious exploitation.

Google is known for regularly disseminating security updates for Chrome, particularly following the discovery or exploitation of vulnerabilities, commonly termed as zero-day vulnerabilities. Consequently, using an outdated version without the current security updates is not advisable, making it imperative for those on macOS Big Sur to reconsider their Chrome usage. Moreover, Apple has also stopped providing security updates for Big Sur. Opting to stay on an unpatched macOS version is not ideal; if this is the case, it’s essential to have a robust browser for safety.

Steps to Take if Your Mac is on Big Sur

MacOS Big Sur was launched in November 2020, so if you’ve kept your system updated recently, you’re in safer territory. To verify your current version, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner and select About This Mac. Your software version will be displayed alongside “macOS.”

If operating on Big Sur, check for any available updates to a newer macOS version by navigating to System Settings > General > Software Update. Anything running macOS 12 or later would be considered safe. Should no updates be available, your Mac might not be compatible with later macOS versions and remains at macOS 11 from Apple’s perspective.

Fortunately, there are alternatives beyond purchasing a new Mac. If Chrome isn’t essential, switching to a browser that continues to support Big Sur could be a viable option. Browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera will still be providing updates and security patches for users.

For those who rely on Chrome and are somewhat tech-savvy, there is a possibility to bypass Apple’s restrictions to upgrade your Mac to a more recent version of macOS. Utilizing OpenCore Legacy Patcher allows the installation of unsupported macOS versions on your device. While it won’t assure you the latest macOS version, it may enable you to access something that continues to support Chrome. However, this approach requires some technical understanding and is somewhat complex.