Google Chrome 138 Ends Support for macOS Big Sur Users
Google has officially announced that Google Chrome 138 will be the last version to support macOS Big Sur, marking a significant shift for Mac users running older software. Starting with Chrome 139, users will need macOS Monterey or newer to install and receive updates for Chrome. This change impacts users still relying on macOS 11, which originally launched in November 2020. If you're one of them, you might be wondering whether to upgrade your macOS, switch browsers, or risk using outdated software. Let's break down what this transition means and how to move forward without compromising performance or security.
What Chrome Ending Support for macOS Big Sur Means
When Google rolls out Chrome 139 at the end of July, it will no longer install or update on machines running macOS Big Sur. That means Chrome 138 will be the final supported version for users of macOS 11. Although Chrome 138 will continue to function, it will display a persistent infobar warning and won’t receive any future updates, security patches, or performance enhancements.
This move mirrors a common trend in the tech world: software vendors gradually phasing out older operating systems to ensure compatibility with modern web standards and better hardware optimization. Apple itself no longer provides security updates for Big Sur, making it increasingly risky to rely on the OS for daily browsing. Google is simply following suit to align Chrome with current macOS development.
Options for macOS Big Sur Users After Chrome 138
If your Mac supports macOS Monterey or later, upgrading your system is the most effective way to stay protected and compatible with the latest Chrome versions. Monterey brought several system improvements, increased stability, and security features that Chrome 139 and beyond are optimized for.
However, some older Macs can’t upgrade past Big Sur. If that’s your situation, you still have a few options. Browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Brave continue to support older macOS versions longer than Chrome typically does. While they may eventually follow the same path, they offer more breathing room and will continue receiving updates and security patches for the foreseeable future.
Alternatively, you could explore lightweight, open-source browsers such as Vivaldi, which might offer acceptable performance and security while maintaining macOS 11 compatibility. Just be aware that all browsers will eventually drop support for Big Sur as Apple phases it out entirely.
Why Staying Updated Matters for Browsing Security
Choosing to stick with Chrome 138 on macOS Big Sur comes with serious drawbacks, particularly regarding your online safety. Without ongoing security updates, your browser becomes vulnerable to exploits, phishing attacks, and malware. Chrome updates also include critical performance enhancements and bug fixes that keep your browsing experience smooth and stable.
Staying updated ensures that you're protected by Google’s Safe Browsing technology, HTTPS-first mode, sandboxing, and real-time phishing alerts. All of these features evolve with each new Chrome release, and skipping updates means missing out on vital protections. For users who rely on their Macs for sensitive tasks like online banking, email, or work-related browsing, staying on an unsupported browser is a major liability.
Whether you upgrade your macOS, switch to another browser, or invest in newer hardware, the key takeaway is this: don’t ignore the change. The web is constantly evolving, and the tools you use to access it should evolve too—both for your productivity and your protection.
What’s Next for Google Chrome and macOS Users
Chrome 139 will set a new baseline for macOS compatibility, targeting Monterey and newer. This is in line with how Apple and most developers treat older systems, pushing users toward modern, secure environments. While it's inconvenient for some, this strategy helps reduce fragmentation and ensures that developers can build better, faster, and safer features without catering to outdated systems.
If your device is too old to handle Monterey, it may be time to consider upgrading your hardware. Apple continues to release optimized, M-series Macs that support the latest macOS versions with better battery life and system performance. If you're already considering an upgrade, this shift in Chrome support might be the tipping point.
For developers and businesses, this change serves as a reminder to verify that all devices accessing company resources are running supported browsers and operating systems. Ensuring this helps avoid compliance issues and protects sensitive data from potential vulnerabilities tied to obsolete platforms.
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