Listen to this Post
Google officially announced it will stop supporting Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie) with the upcoming Chrome version 139, marking a major shift for users on older devices. This decision reflects both a security push and a natural phase-out of legacy operating systems.
Google’s Sunset Announcement: Chrome to Drop Android 8 & 9 Support
Google has confirmed that Chrome version 138 will be the final update available for devices running Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9.0 Pie. Starting with Chrome version 139, scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, users on these operating systems will be left behind. The announcement, made by Chrome Support Manager Ellen T. on Google’s official support forum, is part of a broader effort to streamline support for newer, more secure Android versions.
While users can technically continue using Chrome 138, they will no longer receive updates for security patches, features, or performance optimizations. This leaves them at increased risk of malware, vulnerabilities, and outdated web experiences.
To put this in context, Android 8.0 launched back in 2017, and Android 9.0 followed in 2018. Despite their age, these systems remain surprisingly popular—4% of Android users still rely on Oreo, and 5.8% use Pie, according to April 2025 distribution data from Google. However, newer systems like Android 10 now hold a greater share at over 10%, and the trend is accelerating as app developers abandon legacy OS versions.
For those stuck on these older versions, there are three clear options:
Keep using Chrome 138, though it becomes riskier over time.
Switch to an alternative browser, such as Firefox, which supports Android 5.0 and newer—but compatibility issues may arise.
Upgrade your device to a model running Android 10 or later, ensuring continued app support and up-to-date security.
This update follows Google’s standard policy of sunsetting older OS versions after extended support periods. It’s a common industry move that often sparks debate about digital longevity and device obsolescence.
What Undercode Say:
Google’s move to end Chrome support for Android 8 and 9 is both unsurprising and strategically sound—but it also underscores a larger problem in the Android ecosystem: fragmentation. While Apple supports iOS devices for up to six or more years, Android manufacturers and Google themselves often abandon OS updates much earlier. That results in millions of people stuck on insecure platforms with no upgrade path short of buying a new device.
Let’s do the math: if Android Oreo and Pie still power nearly 10% of all active Android phones, that translates to tens of millions of devices worldwide. And for users in developing regions or those relying on budget handsets, upgrading to a newer model may not be financially viable. That creates a digital divide where essential services like web browsing become riskier or unusable.
Google’s recommendation to use alternative browsers sounds helpful—but realistically, Firefox and others often lack full optimization for older Android versions, leading to slower performance and frequent crashes. Not to mention, most people are already deeply embedded into the Google ecosystem, using Chrome Sync, Autofill, and saved passwords. Switching browsers isn’t just about usability—it’s about losing continuity and convenience.
On the business side, this shift will likely nudge manufacturers to accelerate updates or push newer devices more aggressively. It also aligns with Google’s broader push for better security standards and performance baselines across Android.
Still, the bigger issue is sustainability. The tech world is locked in a cycle of planned obsolescence—and this move by Google just reinforces it. Users are being indirectly pushed to upgrade devices not because their hardware can’t keep up, but because software support is being deliberately withdrawn.
change will:
Reduce risk for Google by cutting support on vulnerable platforms
Force users toward newer hardware, feeding the consumer tech cycle
Underscore the persistent lack of long-term Android support
Ultimately, it’s a reminder: in the mobile world, software support matters more than specs. And users still holding onto older Android versions will need to make a tough choice—stick with what they have and accept growing risk, or invest in a future-proof device.
🔍 Fact Checker Results:
✅ Google Chrome version 139 will officially end support for Android 8 & 9 on August 5, 2025
✅ Android 8 and 9 still account for nearly 10% of active devices as of April 2025
✅ Firefox does support Android 5.0+, offering a temporary workaround for older device users
📊 Prediction:
As Chrome 139 rolls out and older Android versions are phased out, expect a spike in low-end smartphone sales, especially in emerging markets. Browser alternatives like Firefox may see a temporary uptick in downloads, but performance issues will likely push many users toward hardware upgrades. By mid-2026, the share of devices on Android 8 and 9 could drop below 3%, driven largely by forced obsolescence. Google’s broader push for uniform OS security will continue, possibly affecting even Android 10 in future cycles.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.instagram.com
Wikipedia
OpenAi & Undercode AI
Image Source:
Unsplash
Undercode AI DI v2
