If you are still using a phone running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or Android 9.0 (Pie), it’s time to consider an upgrade—especially if you want to keep receiving updates for Google Chrome.
Google has officially announced that Chrome 138 will be the last version to support these older Android versions. Starting with Chrome 139, scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, the web browser will only work on devices running Android 10.0 or later to continue receiving new Chrome updates.
In other words, once Chrome 139 is released, Android 10.0 will be the minimum requirement to continue receiving browser updates on mobile.
While Chrome will technically continue to run on older phones supporting Oreo and Pie, users will no longer receive future Chrome updates, including critical security patches and new features, which will effectively make them less secure over time.
“If you are currently on Android 8.0 or Android 9.0, we encourage you to move to a supported Android 10.0 version (or newer) to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features,” Ellen, Chrome Support Manager, wrote in the support page.
Moving On From Ageing Android Versions
The decision to move on from older operating systems isn’t unusual, as tech companies regularly phase out older versions to streamline development and focus on platforms used by the majority of users.
For those unaware, Android 8.0 was launched back in August 2017 and received its final security patch in October 2021. Meanwhile, Android 9, which was released in August 2018, got its last update in January 2022. To be fair, Google has provided Chrome support for these outdated systems long after their official end-of-life dates.
With Android 14 already widely available, it’s clear Google is ready to sunset support for these aging systems.
What Should Users Do?
If your device supports it, upgrading to Android 10 or later is strongly recommended. To check your Android version, click on the instructions here. Further, if your device is no longer eligible for an update, it might be time to consider a new phone to maintain a secure browsing experience.
Additionally, Google is inviting users to send feedback on the transition via its support channels. Instructions for submitting feedback are available here.
