Originally expected to officially close on September 22, 2025 Chrome version LINE, now with the latest changes! LINE stated in an announcement on August 15 that it would postpone the closure to the first half of 2026 due to consideration of the actual needs of Taiwanese users, especially the communication rights of the visually impaired. This means that the Chrome version of LINE can last at least a while longer, giving users who rely on this service more buffering period. However, some netizens pointed out that postponement is not a solution, but only moves the date of “loss of service” to a later date. The real focus should be whether LINE will improve the accessibility features of the desktop version. Otherwise, when 2026 arrives, it will still face the crisis of communication disconnection.
LINE postpones the shutdown of Chrome version until 2026, visually impaired people say: just extending the countdown
LINE for Chrome is an extension that is installed directly on the Google Chrome browser. Users can perform basic functions such as messaging, stickers, and file transfers without downloading and installing a separate computer version of the application. For ChromeOS and Linux users, as well as some visually impaired groups, this is almost the only official way for them to use LINE in the desktop environment.
It turns out that LINE officials recently announced that due to operational resource allocation considerations, the Chrome version of LINE service will be terminated on September 22 this year. However, in the latest announcement today (15th), LINE changed its position and extended the service period to the first half of 2026, which is obviously the result of responding to user demand and public opinion pressure.
LINE officials mentioned in their latest announcement that they attach great importance to the needs and concerns of Taiwanese users for the Chrome version of LINE. Especially in the context of use by the visually impaired, although the Chrome version has limited accessibility features, it can at least enable simple communication through screen reading software like NVDA. In comparison, the current Windows or Mac versions of LINE desktop applications clearly lack support for accessibility design and are almost inoperable for the visually impaired.
Therefore, if the Chrome version of LINE is closed as originally planned, many visually impaired users will lose the only feasible alternative on the desktop, which will be equivalent to being forced into a “communication island” and may encounter major obstacles in life and work. This situation obviously attracted the attention of the community and public opinion, and also prompted LINE to adjust its original schedule.
Although not as powerful as the full desktop version of LINE, the lightweight nature of the Chrome version is very important to some users:
- Cross-platform advantage: ChromeOS and Linux systems do not have an official desktop version of LINE, and the Chrome version is almost the only officially available way.
- Installation-free application: No additional installation is required. It can be operated directly in the browser. It is especially convenient for public computers or environments with limited storage space.
- Usability for visually impaired people: Although it is not perfect, it can complete message transmission and file transfer with auxiliary software to maintain social contact.
These features make the Chrome version a “must-have” tool for specific groups of people, rather than a dispensable additional service.
When LINE initially announced the termination of the Chrome version service, the reason was “operational resource allocation,” which is common in the software development industry. Maintaining multiple versions will increase the cost of testing, updating, security patching, etc. For a platform with a relatively limited number of users, the benefits may not be enough to support long-term investment. However, this delay shows that LINE is willing to find a temporary balance between user needs and corporate resources to buy more time for the affected groups.
Although the postponement seems like good news, many netizens have expressed in communities such as Mobile01 and Threads that this is simply a digital version of “everything.”
They pointed out that the current desktop version of LINE is almost unusable for the visually impaired. Screen readers cannot read buttons and message content, and the order of operations is confusing, making it impossible to effectively send and receive messages and handle daily life. Although the Chrome version has limited functions, it can at least be used with the registration software to maintain communication.
So the real key should be:
- Will LINE have direct dialogue with visually impaired groups to understand their actual needs?
- Is an accessibility development project started for the desktop version?
Without these two steps, delaying the shutdown will only change the date of “loss of service” from 2025 to 2026. It will not really move the problem forward. Instead, it will only make users live in anxiety for another half a year. Such a response is more of a temporary reassurance than a solution.
For ordinary users, this extension means there is more time to adapt and move to other versions, such as downloading the desktop version of LINE (Windows/Mac), the tablet version (iPad/Android tablet) or directly using the mobile version.
But for the visually impaired and ChromeOS/Linux users, this period is more like a “breathing opportunity.” Let them continue to maintain daily communication through the Chrome version, and hope that LINE will make necessary accessibility upgrades to the desktop version during this period, so that everyone can truly use it equally.
LINE has repeatedly emphasized that when the service ends, it will not require users to provide or enter personal information or login information for any reason, nor will it direct users to unofficial services. This is particularly important in Taiwan’s Internet environment, as similar “phishing” scams are common. When users receive any message related to the closure of Chrome version of LINE, they should verify the authenticity through official announcements or customer service to avoid being deceived.
Conclusion
The decision to postpone the shutdown of Chrome version of LINE seems to be just an adjustment in the technical schedule, but behind it it actually reflects the tug of war between “resource allocation” and “user demand” in technology services.
For some visually impaired people, this extended period is just a new countdown. If LINE does not improve the accessibility features of the desktop version during this period, the “communication disconnection crisis” in 2026 will still arrive as scheduled. Delay is not the end, nor is it a solution. The real key lies in whether LINE is willing to take that step so that every user can connect to the world equally.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese