Google Chrome 151 to End Support for macOS 12 Monterey: What You Need to Know
In a recent announcement, Google has confirmed that Chrome 150 will be the final version compatible with macOS 12 Monterey. Subsequent releases, starting with Chrome 151, will no longer support this operating system. This decision aligns with Apple’s support policies, as macOS 12 has moved beyond its official support window.
The Chrome Platform Status blog elaborates on this transition:
> Chrome 150 will be the last release to support macOS 12; Chrome 151+ will no longer support macOS 12, which is outside of its support window with Apple. Running on a supported operating system is essential to maintaining security.
For users continuing to operate on macOS 12 Monterey, Chrome 150 will remain functional but will display a warning infobar indicating that it will not receive further updates. This cessation means that users will miss out on new features, performance enhancements, bug fixes, and crucial security patches, thereby increasing vulnerability to potential security threats.
Implications for macOS 12 Monterey Users
The discontinuation of support for macOS 12 Monterey by Chrome underscores the importance of keeping operating systems up to date. Operating on outdated systems can expose users to security risks, as they no longer receive patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Historically, Google has phased out support for older macOS versions in a similar manner. For instance, in July 2025, Google announced that Chrome 139 would no longer support macOS 11 Big Sur, emphasizing the necessity of running on supported operating systems to maintain security. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/15/psa-google-chrome-to-soon-drop-support-for-macos-big-sur/?utm_source=openai))
Recommended Actions for Users
To ensure continued access to the latest Chrome features and security updates, users have the following options:
1. Upgrade to a Supported macOS Version: Updating to macOS 13 Ventura or later will allow users to continue receiving Chrome updates. Before upgrading, it’s advisable to check hardware compatibility and back up important data.
2. Switch to an Alternative Browser: If upgrading the operating system isn’t feasible, users can consider alternative browsers that still support macOS 12 Monterey. However, it’s essential to verify the support timelines of these browsers, as they may also phase out support for older operating systems.
Understanding the Update Timeline
While Google hasn’t provided a specific release date for Chrome 151, the browser typically follows a four-week update cycle for major releases. With the current stable version at 143, it’s estimated that version 151 will be released in approximately 32 weeks, around mid-to-late August 2026.
Broader Context: Software Support Lifecycles
The decision to end support for older operating systems is not unique to Google. Other software providers have implemented similar policies. For example, in August 2025, Valve announced that the Steam Client would cease support for macOS 11 Big Sur due to compatibility limitations with newer technologies. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/04/psa-steam-will-soon-stop-supporting-macos-11-big-sur/?utm_source=openai))
These decisions are often driven by the need to leverage newer technologies and maintain security standards, which may not be feasible on outdated operating systems.
Conclusion
The upcoming cessation of Chrome support for macOS 12 Monterey serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping operating systems current. Users are encouraged to plan accordingly, either by upgrading their macOS version or transitioning to alternative browsers that continue to support their current operating system. Staying updated ensures access to the latest features and, more importantly, maintains robust security against emerging threats.
