Google chrome: Tech giant Google has recently announced that its popular web browser Google Chrome will stop supporting Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0 Pie operating system from 5 August 2025. This news is a shock for millions of users who are still using smartphones running on these old operating systems. From the version 139 of the Chrome, which will be released in August, the browser will work only on Android 10 or above. This means that new updates and security patches of Chrome will not be available on the old device.
Android 8.0 Oreo, launched in 2017 and Android 9.0 Pie, launched in 2018, is now technically outdated. Popular phones running on these operating systems include Samsung Galaxy S9, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, and others 2017-2018 models. In countries like India, where many users still use old smartphones. And this decision can become a challenge since this news. Google’s Chrome Support Manager Ellen T. said on the official forum that Chrome 138 will be the last version to support these operating systems.
The device running on Android 8.0 and 9.0 will not get new updates after Chrome 138. Users can continue using the old version. But without security updates, these devices will be unsafe towards cyber threats. This can increase problems like data theft and slow system. Google says that this step is necessary for Chrome to keep updates with modern technology and safety standards.
The safest option is to switch to new devices with operating systems of Android 10 or above.
Firefox such as browser android supports 5.0 and above and provides regular security updates. Microsoft edge can also be a good option.
Avoid using the old Chrome version and use reliable antivirus software for data protection.
Google says that old operating systems are not able to support new techniques and features. This step has been taken to make Chrome faster, safe, and better for user experience. But, in markets like India, where the use of old devices is common, which can cause inconvenience to users.
