Mac users still using macOS 12 Monterey now have a clear timeline for the end of new features in their primary browser if they use Chrome. Google has confirmed that Apple's operating system will no longer be supported in future versions of the browser, which will affect both Mac security and the arrival of new features.
This doesn't mean Chrome will disappear from the Dock or that it will suddenly stop opening, but it does mean that, after a certain point, security patches will no longer be available for those still using the Monterey version. In a context where cybercrime is constantly growing and European data protection requirements are increasingly stringent, continuing to use an outdated browser can become a serious headache.
Chrome 150: the last version that will work on macOS 12 Monterey
According to information published on Chrome Platform Status and the official Chrome platform status blog, Chrome 150 will be the last version compatible with macOS 12 Monterey. Starting with the next major release, Chrome 151, the browser will require macOS 13 Ventura or later as a minimum requirement for installation and support.
Google is thus aligning its timelines with Apple's: integrating AI-based features and other innovations requires newer platforms, and maintaining modern browsers on unmaintained systems makes ensuring a reasonable level of security much more difficult. As with other programs, the priority is shifting to focusing on newer platforms, better prepared for new technologies, including the integration of AI-based features.
In practice, if you have a Mac with Monterey, you'll see a warning bar at the top indicating that this installation "will no longer be updated." In other words, the browser will be stuck on that version: no more Chrome 151, 152, or later versions.
From that point on, Chrome installations on macOS 12 will no longer receive bug fixes . Over time, this combination could turn the browser into a gateway for known vulnerabilities and targeted attacks, especially if you use it for online banking, online shopping, or managing sensitive information.
For professional users, companies, educational centers or offices that use Macs in Spain and the rest of Europe, continuing to work with regulatory obligations regarding data protection can clash head-on with internal cybersecurity policies and even with some regulatory obligations regarding data protection.
Dates and deadlines: when will Chrome stop updating in Monterey
Google hasn't announced an exact release date for Chrome 150 or Chrome 151, but it has provided clear indications of the timeline. The company itself notes that it typically releases a new update to its stable channel every four weeks , maintaining a fairly consistent schedule.
Currently, the stable version is around number 143. If this cycle of one version per month is maintained, several iterations are still needed to reach Chrome 150, which will be the last version supported on macOS 12, and shortly after, Chrome 151, which will no longer work on Monterey.
Various estimates, based on that schedule and the version sequence, suggest that Chrome 150 could arrive around mid-2026. From then on, the final compatibility cut-off would occur with the release of Chrome 151, at which point Macs with Monterey will no longer be able to go beyond that frozen version.
Some internal Google calendars indicate July 28, 2026, as the target date for the stable release of Chrome 151, although this is an estimate that may change due to technical adjustments. Other projections, simply adding four-week cycles, shift the window to mid- or late August 2026. Whether it's July or August, the message is clear: the change will arrive around the summer of 2026.
Meanwhile, the latest available version will be 150 for macOS 12 Monterey. When Chrome 151 is released to the stable channel, computers running this operating system will no longer receive new builds, while Macs with Ventura or later versions will continue to receive updates as usual.
Why Google is abandoning macOS 12 and what it means for your security
Google's decision is neither an isolated case nor a whim. It's part of a general industry trend: aligning their support cycles with those of the operating system manufacturer. When Apple ends maintenance for a particular version of macOS, maintaining complex applications on that basis becomes increasingly risky.
The Chrome Platform Status documentation emphasizes that operating system components themselves often require changes when vulnerabilities are patched. Many vulnerabilities can only be fixed by modifying operating system components; if Apple no longer updates macOS 12, there comes a point when Chrome alone cannot provide all the necessary fixes.
From a technical standpoint, leaving macOS 12 behind allows Google to concentrate resources on more modern platforms , where new features related to artificial intelligence, major interface changes, or performance improvements can be deployed without hindrance, which might not work well on older machines.
For the end user, the most obvious consequence is that it will become outdated against current threats . As new security flaws appear on the web or in the browser itself, some of the fixes may not reach that frozen version, increasing the risk of attacks, data theft, or malware installation.
This situation is particularly sensitive in Spain and other European countries, where legal responsibility in the event of a serious incident can fall on organizations that maintain unsupported systems and software. Working daily with an unsupported browser and an outdated operating system can conflict with internal security requirements and even lead to legal liability in the event of a serious incident.
Options for Mac users with Monterey: update, change browser, or both
For those still using a Mac , updating the system, changing browsers , or a combination of both doesn't mean they'll be without internet access tomorrow, but it does require considering several alternatives in the medium term. Basically, there are three options: update the system, change browsers, or combine both, depending on individual needs.
The most direct route is macOS 13 Ventura , provided your Mac model supports it. Many computers currently running Monterey can upgrade to Ventura, which you can verify in the Software Update section of System Preferences. With this upgrade, Chrome 151 and future versions will install and update without issue.
Some users, for reasons of compatibility with older applications, professional software requirements, or simply for performance, prefer to stick with Monterey. In these cases, the option is to migrate to other browsers that still offer support for macOS 12, keeping Chrome only occasionally or abandoning it altogether.
Within the Apple ecosystem, Safari is particularly valuable, as it's the native browser that comes pre-installed. It's tightly integrated with macOS, and as long as the operating system version continues to receive Apple patches, it will continue to receive security updates and various improvements. For those who prefer a simpler approach, it's often a very sensible choice.
Another established option is Mozilla Firefox's Extended Support Release (ESR) , which maintains versions compatible with macOS 12 Monterey and is notable for its focus on privacy and tracking controls. Firefox also offers an ESR variant designed to provide a longer support cycle and greater stability, which is particularly useful in educational and corporate environments.
Even so, if someone decides to continue using an unsupported browser on a Mac running Monterey Jack, it's advisable to take extra precautions . The sensible approach is to limit its use to non-sensitive tasks, avoid entering banking details or critical credentials, refrain from installing extensions from dubious sources, and, if necessary, disable and remove Chrome extensions and reserve an updated browser (such as Safari or Firefox) for important operations like online banking, shopping, or professional work.
Impact in Spain and Europe: many Macs, a lot of Chrome
In markets like Europe, and particularly in Spain, creative studios, offices, educational institutions, and government agencies frequently use Mac computers. Furthermore, Chrome maintains a very high market share on macOS as well, so Google's decision will have a tangible impact on the daily lives of many users.
Many organizations have extended the lifespan of their systems by keeping them on macOS 12 Monterey, a system that remains sufficient for office tasks, browsing, light design work, and administrative tasks. However, this extended lifespan now necessitates a review of these hardware upgrade and renewal strategies to avoid compromising network and corporate data security.
For home users, the first clear indication that their operating system is outdated is likely the Chrome warning bar indicating that the browser will no longer be updated on their Mac. For many, this will be the first clear sign that their operating system is outdated and that it's time to consider upgrades, whether to the software or the hardware.
These kinds of moves by major developers often act as a catalyst to accelerate the adoption of newer versions of macOS , such as Ventura or Sonoma. Anyone who wants to stick with their trusted browser and not give up new features or synchronization with other devices will likely end up updating their system to avoid being left behind.
At the same time, this situation opens a small window for browsers like Safari and Firefox to gain ground on those Macs that, due to hardware limitations or user choice, aren't going to upgrade to a more recent version of macOS but still need to browse the web with some degree of reliability. However, it's reasonable to expect that, over time, these browsers will also raise their minimum requirements and eventually abandon older versions of the operating system.
Frequently asked questions about the end of Chrome support on macOS Monterey
The removal of Chrome's support for macOS 12 has understandably raised concerns among those who use their Macs daily with this operating system. Based on Google's announcement and available information, we can clarify the most common questions about this change.
Which Apple computers are affected exactly?
The change affects all computers running macOS 12 Monterey or earlier, regardless of the model: iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, etc. What matters is not the type of computer, but the installed macOS version. As long as the system is Monterey, Chrome 151 and later versions cannot be installed.
Will Chrome suddenly stop working on my Mac?
No. You can still open the browser, but you'll be stuck on Chrome 150. The program will display an information bar warning that this installation will no longer be updated. Current features will remain available, but no new features or future bug fixes will be added.
When exactly will the support cut occur?
Google hasn't publicly set a firm date , but considering version cycles and the usual pace, it's estimated that support for macOS 12 will end in mid- to late 2026. The stable release of Chrome 151, tentatively scheduled for late July or around August 2026, will mark the point at which Macs running Monterey will no longer be supported beyond version 150.
Will my bookmarks, passwords, or history be deleted when support ends?
The end of support does not mean your data will be automatically deleted . Your bookmarks, history, and passwords will remain stored in Chrome 150 as long as you keep the browser installed. The real problem isn't the loss of information, but the increased risk of attacks or data theft when using a browser that no longer receives security patches.
What do I do if my Mac can't install macOS 13 Ventura?
If your computer isn't compatible with newer versions of macOS, the most sensible alternative is to migrate to a browser that still supports Monterey, such as Safari or Firefox, and use Chrome only occasionally, if you need a very specific function. In the long run, you'll have to consider upgrading your Mac or, for advanced users, exploring other technical solutions to run modern systems, even if they aren't official options.
With all this in mind, the message for those still using macOS 12 Monterey is quite clear: Chrome isn't going to stop working overnight, and there's still time to react, but it's not advisable to leave the decision until the last minute . Calmly planning a system update, a browser switch, or, if necessary, a hardware upgrade will help you continue browsing securely when Google's browser finally stops supporting older versions.
