Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers across all operating systems. Now, Google Chrome is preparing to end support for macOS 12 Monterey, which means that users of older Mac models will need to upgrade their operating systems to keep the browser secure. This change will take effect with the upcoming release of Chrome version 151.

Older Mac computers will soon lose Google Chrome
While this change is certainly necessary, it’s bound to be frustrating for users who still rely on older, stable versions of macOS. If you’re currently still using macOS 12, be aware that Chrome 150 will be the last version to support your system. Google’s current version is around 143, and the company typically releases a major update every four weeks.

In other words, Chrome 150 will likely be released in mid-2026, giving users a few months to prepare to upgrade their operating systems. Google made this adjustment primarily for security reasons. Officials emphasize that Chrome must run on a supported operating system to maintain strong online security. Since macOS 12 is no longer covered by Apple’s standard support, the minimum requirement for Chrome has been raised to macOS 13 Ventura or later.

If you choose to stay on macOS Monterey, Chrome will still work, but once Chrome 151 is released, your version will no longer receive critical security patches or feature updates. At that point, the browser will continue to display notifications informing you that your version is out of date. This is a significant risk, as browsing the web with a browser that contains known, unpatched vulnerabilities offers very little security. Sacrificing security to keep Chrome is not a wise choice. If your Mac is capable of upgrading to macOS 13 Ventura or a newer version, we recommend updating as soon as possible—this is the only way to continue receiving the latest features and security protections for Chrome. Additionally, starting with Chrome 151, new installations will require at least macOS 13 to launch the installer.

As for older Macs that cannot be officially upgraded beyond macOS 12, users still have other options for browsing the web securely. Since it’s no longer advisable to continue using Chrome, which is no longer supported, it’s time to switch to a different browser entirely. Fortunately, there is a reliable alternative: Firefox currently still supports macOS Monterey, and it places a greater emphasis on user privacy than Google’s services. If you must continue using macOS 12 for the foreseeable future, switching to Firefox is a safer and more sustainable choice—even with older hardware, you’ll still receive the necessary security updates.
Source: KOCPC Chinese