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Introduction: A Security Wake-Up Call for Mac Users
In a major development that signals the end of an era, Google has officially announced it will cease updating Chrome for macOS Big Sur. This move, set to take effect in August 2025, leaves only two mainstream browsers—Firefox and Microsoft Edge—still compatible with this aging operating system. The warning is clear: if you’re still running macOS Big Sur, your system is not just outdated—it’s becoming a digital security liability. This article breaks down what’s happening, what it means for your Mac, and why an upgrade is no longer optional but critical.
Chrome Abandons Big Sur: What You Need to Know
Google has confirmed that Chrome version 138 will be the final release to support macOS Big Sur, after which users will receive no further updates. While the browser itself will technically still launch, a prominent warning will appear, reminding users that they’re using an unsupported OS. More importantly, the lack of security updates could leave users exposed to cyber threats and malware attacks.
Starting with Chrome version 139 (due August 5, 2025), the minimum supported macOS will be macOS Monterey. This update forces Big Sur users to choose: upgrade their OS or migrate to one of the few browsers that still support it—namely Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
The situation is even more dire considering that Apple’s own Safari browser dropped Big Sur support back in July 2023. That means Chrome was one of the last major players still hanging on—and now it’s exiting.
The Big Sur operating system originally launched in 2020. While it introduced several design and security upgrades at the time, it’s now three generations behind the latest macOS Sequoia. With every new version, Apple refines its security systems, performance enhancements, and compatibility layers, so staying behind puts users at increasing risk.
Older macOS versions do occasionally receive security patches from Apple, but that grace period does not last forever. And without support from key third-party software like Chrome, Big Sur becomes a serious weak link in your digital ecosystem.
💬 What Undercode Say:
Google pulling the plug on Big Sur support in Chrome isn’t just a maintenance decision—it’s a digital triage moment. For individual users, it’s a nudge. For enterprises and institutions that still run Big Sur on fleet systems, it’s a red-alert scenario.
The tech ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and browsers are more than just access points to the internet. They are the frontline in the war on cybersecurity threats. If your browser lacks timely updates, you’re leaving the gate wide open for malicious actors.
Let’s be clear: macOS Big Sur is not a bad OS, but it’s no longer a safe OS. Even Firefox and Edge, the last two holdouts, are unlikely to support Big Sur for much longer. Their developers are just as constrained by resource limitations and the need to keep up with Apple’s newer APIs and security models.
Some may resist upgrading due to compatibility issues with older hardware. However, continuing to use an unsupported OS with an outdated browser is akin to driving a car with no airbags or seatbelt—it may still function, but you’re gambling with every use.
Furthermore, Chrome’s exit sends a broader message: software support is tightening, and users are being forced to keep pace with the ecosystem. Apple has accelerated its development cycles and is pushing the envelope with features powered by AI and machine learning in Sequoia. Staying on Big Sur means missing out on those performance boosts, features, and above all, protection.
Also, this marks a significant milestone in browser homogenization. Google is effectively shaping user behavior through support policy. In the past, users had more leeway to keep older systems functional. Now, the digital shelf-life of an OS is becoming ever shorter.
For journalists, developers, and even casual users, the convenience of not upgrading is now outweighed by the risk of staying stagnant. Bookmark migrations, browser extensions, and login cookies may feel like a pain to transfer, but losing data to a browser-based exploit is a far worse outcome.
If your hardware supports Monterey or later, there’s really no excuse left. And if it doesn’t, it might be time to consider retiring the machine altogether. The harsh truth is: keeping unsupported software running for sentimental or budgetary reasons could cost far more in the long run.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ Confirmed: Chrome version 138 will be the last to support macOS Big Sur.
✅ Verified: Chrome 139 begins requiring macOS Monterey from August 5, 2025.
✅ Confirmed: Safari ended Big Sur support in July 2023.
📊 Prediction:
Expect Firefox and Edge to drop Big Sur support within the next 6–12 months. Chrome’s move sets a precedent that other browser developers tend to follow. Once Big Sur’s browser options dry up, third-party app compatibility will also rapidly decline, followed by a sharp increase in vulnerability reports targeting legacy macOS users. By 2026, macOS Big Sur will be functionally obsolete in mainstream usage—not because it won’t run, but because it will no longer be safe or efficient to do so.
TL;DR: Upgrade your Mac if
References:
Reported By: www.techradar.com
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