Chrome and My Mac: Facing the End of Monterey Support (and My Ubuntu Solution!)

Well, folks, Google just dropped some news that will impact many Mac users, and honestly, it hits close to home for me too.

They've confirmed that the Chrome 150 update, due out later this year, will be the very last version to support macOS Monterey (version 12). After that, if you're like some of us still rocking Monterey, your Chrome browser will essentially be stuck in time.

What's the Deal?

Here’s the skinny: If your Mac is running Monterey, Chrome 150 will continue to function. However, Google plans to display a persistent warning and, crucially, your browser won't get any more updates. Think about it – no new features, no performance tweaks, and most importantly, no vital security patches. For new installations of Chrome 151 and beyond, you'll need macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer.

Google hasn't given us an exact date for Chrome 150 yet, but looking at their typical release cycle (roughly every four weeks for major versions), we can probably expect it sometime around mid-2026. So, we've got a bit of time, but the writing is definitely on the wall.

Why This is a Big Deal (Especially for Me!) For most people, an outdated browser is a big security risk. New threats emerge constantly, and updates are what keep us safe online. Beyond security, you miss out on performance improvements and compatibility with the latest web standards.

Now, for my personal situation, this news is particularly interesting. At home, I don't use macOS anymore! I’ve got some older Macs that don't support the latest macOS versions, so I've embraced the open-source world and installed Ubuntu Linux on them. This means that while many Mac users are contemplating an OS upgrade, I'm already on a different path entirely, enjoying modern browsers and a fully updated system thanks to Linux.

So, What Are Our Options?

If you're a macOS Monterey user, here’s how you can prepare:

• Upgrade Your macOS: For many, the simplest path is to update your Mac to macOS Ventura (13) or a later supported version. This will let you keep using the latest Chrome.

• Switch Browsers: If upgrading macOS isn't feasible or desirable (perhaps your Mac is older, like some of mine), then considering an alternative like Firefox is a solid move. Firefox continues to support a wider range of macOS versions and keeps its browser updated with security and feature enhancements.

• Embrace Linux (My Path!): If you've got an older Mac that's been left behind by Apple's OS updates, take a page from my book! Installing a Linux distribution like Ubuntu can breathe new life into your hardware. You'll get a modern, secure operating system and access to the latest web browsers, all while making your old Mac incredibly useful again.

It's a reminder that technology is always moving forward. Whether you choose to upgrade your macOS, switch browsers, or venture into the world of Linux like I have, the key is to ensure you're using an up-to-date and secure browser for your online adventures.