Google is ending Chrome updates for older Android phones soon
It’ll still function, but you won’t get any new features, performance improvements, or crucial security patches going forward.
Technology moves fast. It has to. Whether it’s security threats evolving, new features demanding more power, or just better design standards, tech companies are constantly pushing the envelope, and sometimes that means leaving older devices behind.
That’s exactly what’s happening with Google Chrome, which is finally pulling the plug on support for Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0 Pie.
Starting August 5, 2025, Chrome version 139 will only run on Android 10 or newer. If your device is still on Oreo (released in 2017) or Pie (2018), Chrome 138 will be the last version you can use.
It’ll still function, but you won’t get any new features, performance improvements, or crucial security patches going forward. Over time, that means slower browsing, more bugs, and higher risk, especially as websites and web standards continue to evolve.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
This update might seem overdue, but it's worth noting that as of April 2025 Android 8 and 9 still power a combined nearly 10% of Android devices globally according to Composables — with Pie at 5.8% and Oreo around 4%.
That’s millions of devices especially in regions where older phones remain popular due to affordability or lack of upgrade options. Still, Google’s decision reflects a broader shift in the Android ecosystem, where developers are trimming legacy support to focus on modern, more secure platforms.
And this isn’t just a Google thing. WhatsApp also recently ended support for Android 5.0 and earlier, a move that quietly knocked out messaging access for certain low-end phones. It’s part of a growing trend: apps and platforms are setting higher minimum requirements, not out of malice, but because maintaining outdated systems can become a burden, one that slows down progress for everyone else.
Kelechi Edeh
If you’re still on Android 8 or 9, you technically don’t have to do anything right away. Chrome 138 will keep running. But without updates, your device’s browsing experience is bound to degrade and switching to an alternative browser like Firefox (which supports Android 5.0 and up) may only buy you a bit more time.
At the end of the day, if your phone can’t keep up with modern app requirements, it might be time to start thinking about an upgrade. Not just for access to new features, but for your security, speed, and sanity.
