Latest news with #Android8
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Forbes
Google Chrome Updates To Stop On August 5 For 300 Million Android Users
Google confirms it will stop updateng Chrome for 300 million Android users in August. Update, June 28, 2025: This story, originally published on June 27, has been updated with advice from Google on how to check and update your Android version in response to the news that Chrome will stop getting security updates in August for users of Android 8 and 9. If there is one thing you can guarantee in life, other than death and taxes, it's that Google will update the Chrome web browser with alarming frequency to fight off attacks using newly discovered security vulnerabilities. That guarantee will disappear for an estimated 300 million Android users starting August 5. Here's what you need to know. 300 Million Android Devices To Not Longer Get Chrome Security Updates According to the latest estimates, 4% of the Android user base of 3.3 billion still use Android 8 and another 5.8% use Android 9. While the percentages might seem insignificant in the overall scheme of things, that's a combined total of more than 300 million devices. It's also 300 million devices that will no longer benefit from security updates for the Google Chrome browser from August 5. Ellen T, a Chrome support manager at Google, has now officially confirmed in a Google Chrome community posting, that 'Chrome 138 is the last version of Chrome that will support Android 8.0 and Android 9.0.' With Chrome 139 being expected to arrive on August 5, and requiring devices to be running Android 10.0 or later, this means that you will 'need to ensure your device is running Android 10.0 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases,' Ellen T said. How To Check And Update Your Version Of Android To Ensure Chrome Security Updates Continue Ellen T has stated that Google encourages all impacted users 'to move to a supported Android 10.0 version (or newer) to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates and Chrome features.' Which is great, but how easy is that going to be in the real world? Google itself, of course, has a support page dedicated to just that question, explaining how to check for and update the version of Android for your device, be it a smartphone or tablet. 'You can find your device's Android version number, security update level, and Google Play system level in your Settings app,' Google said, adding that you will also get notifications when any operating system updates are available for your specific device. Here are the step-by-step instructions provided by Google: To check which Android version your device is running currently: To check for the latest Android operating system updates for your device: Doing Nothing Is Not An Option – Chrome Security Updates Are Critical It's important to note that older versions of the Google Chrome web browser app will continue to work just fine on older Android smartphones and tablets. Assuming that your definition of just fine includes being open to attack by anyone armed with an exploit for the latest security vulnerabilities. Indeed, as time passes, and those security vulnerabilities become common knowledge, with exploits exchanged in criminal forums online, the threat will only increase for any users who have not either updated to a more recent operating system or switched to a different browser app. You know what to do, and the correct answer is most certainly not nothing. You have been warned.
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Phone Arena
If your Android phone is still running on this version, you can forget about Chrome updates
According to a support page update, Chrome 138 will be the last version that works on Android 8 and 9. Moving forward, the browser will require Android 10 or newer. This means users with older phones won't be able to get the latest features, security patches, or performance updates unless they update their operating system. In a support article, Google said: — Google support article The company also added: — Google support article While this might be inconvenient for users on older phones, the overall impact should be limited. Based on Android version stats from April 2025, Android 9 is installed on just under 6% of devices, while Android 8 and 8.1 together account for about 4%. That adds up to around 10% of Android phones and tablets, meaning most users are already on newer software. The good news is that Chrome won't suddenly stop working on these devices. Older versions will continue to function for a while, though they will no longer be updated. Over time, users may run into compatibility issues as websites evolve and the browser becomes outdated. This move isn't too surprising when you look at the timeline. Android 8.0 (Oreo) came out in 2017, and Android 9.0 (Pie) followed in 2018. That means these versions are now 8 and 7 years old, respectively. Even Android 10.0, which is now the minimum requirement, was released in 2019, making it 6 years old. For users still on devices running Oreo or Pie, that's a long time to go without major updates, especially when it comes to something as essential as the browser. This also reflects a broader trend in tech, where software companies gradually drop support for older platforms to focus on more modern and secure versions. These companies need to be able to allocate resources properly, so support teams for older operating systems do eventually get reassigned to newer projects. For those still using devices on Android 8 or 9, now might be a good time to consider updating the OS if possible — or looking at a newer device that can keep up with future app changes. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
