Google Chrome is dropping support for Android 8 and 9. The last version to support these operating systems will be Chrome 139, set to release in August. Currently, Chrome is on version 137, so the next update, Chrome 138, will be the final one for Android 8 and 9.
If you’re still using these older Android versions, you might be wondering if you can keep using Chrome. The answer is yes, but with limitations. You can continue using an older version of Chrome until websites start to drop support for older security certificates. This is already happening for Android 7 and lower, where some websites might not load properly or at all due to security concerns.
The same issue will affect other browsers that use the Blink engine, like Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi. If you’re stuck with an older Android version and can’t update, consider switching to Firefox. They’re working with Let’s Encrypt to keep supporting security certificates for older Android versions, including Android 5.
Firefox has announced that it will continue to support Android 5 and above, even after Google drops support. This means you can keep using your older device with Firefox and still access websites that use the latest security certificates. Additionally, you can install extensions like “Video Background Playback”, “Google Search Fixer”, and “Search by Image” to improve your browsing experience.
It’s worth noting that Android 8 and 9 are relatively old, with the last security patches released in October 2021 and January 2022, respectively. If possible, it’s recommended to update to a newer version of Android for improved security and support. However, if you’re stuck with an older device, Firefox is a viable alternative to keep you browsing safely.
Source: