Chrome Says Goodbye to Big Sur: Security Updates End July 30
Google Chrome ended the support for MacOS 11 Big Sur at the end of July. Mac users must therefore decide between an operating system update or a browser change. We explain the background and show alternatives.
Chrome says Macos Big Sur Adieu
Google will set the support for Chrome on MacOS Big Sur at the end of July. Like the company on its Status page has confirmed, Chrome 138 will be the last version that runs on MacOS 11. The subsequent version Chrome 139, whose publication is planned for July 30, 2025, will at least require MacOS 12 MONTEREY or new ones.
Chrome 139 and later versions will no longer support MacOS 11 because it is outside of Apple’s support window. The use of a supported operating system is essential for maintaining security. Chrome will continue to work on Macs with MacOS 11 and display a warning message, but will not be updated. Google, Chrome Platform Status
Mac models from 2016 and earlier are particularly affected and are not compatible with MacOS Monterey.
Restricted functionality for users
Chrome will continue to work on MacOS Big Sur, but with considerable restrictions. Affected users will see a warning message and no longer receive updates. This means that neither new functions are added nor – which is particularly critical – security updates can be installed. For new installations of Chrome 139, MacOS 12 Monterey or newer is required. Users who want to continue to receive the latest Chrome functions and security improvements are faced with a clear decision: either update the operating system or switch to another browser.
Apple’s support end as a trigger
Google points out that Apple has already ended the support for Macos Big Sur. In fact, Apple hired support for Big Sur in November 2023 – Chrome supported the operating system for almost two years longer than Apple itself. This practice corresponds to Google’s common strategy of supporting operating systems for a while even after the manufacturer’s support. However, it is noteworthy that Chrome 139 requires at least MacOS 12 Monterey, although this operating system has not been supported by Apple for almost a year. Apple hired the support for Monterey in September 2024. The MacOS versions currently supported by Apple are MacOS 13 Ventura, MacOS 14 SONOMA and the latest MacOS 15 Sequoia.
Alternative browser for Big Sur
There are still alternatives for users who have to or want to stay at MacOS Big Sur for various reasons. Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Opera continue to support MacOS 11 and still receive security updates. This makes it possible to surf the Internet relatively safely even on older operating systems. Apple’s own browser Safari no longer gets updates for Big Sur, since its support is directly linked to the operating system.
The last Safari version for Big Sur was Safari 15.6.1, which was released in August 2022. So if you stay with Big Sur, you should always switch to an alternative browser. In Cupertino, people also plan to gradually reduce software support for Intel-based MACs. Many new functions are already available exclusively for Apple Silicon Macs. Experts expect an Apple Silicon Mac to be required to install future MacOS versions.
