Google to Stop Chrome Support on Old Android Phones This August

Google has officially announced plans to discontinue Chrome browser support for Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie) starting August 2025. The update was confirmed through the company’s support documentation.

Beginning with the Chrome 139 update, scheduled to roll out in the first week of August, devices running versions below Android 10 will no longer be eligible for browser updates. Chrome 138 will serve as the final release compatible with Android 8 and 9.

Users with older Android phones will still be able to use existing versions of Chrome, but they will not receive future updates, including security patches or new features. Google has urged users to upgrade their devices to Android 10 or higher to stay current with browser advancements and maintain security.

The company stated: "Chrome 138 is the last version of Chrome that will support Android 8.0 and Android 9.0. Chrome 139, tentatively scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, will require Android 10.0 or later."

Although functionality will remain temporarily on older devices, users will eventually face compatibility and security risks as updates cease. Google encourages upgrading to supported systems to continue receiving Chrome enhancements.

As of April 2025, Android 9.0 powers about 6 per cent of devices globally, while Android 8 and 8.1 combined account for roughly 4 per cent. These versions were initially launched in 2017 and 2018 respectively, placing them well beyond their expected lifecycle.