Chrome 150 Ends macOS Monterey Support in 2026

Chrome has been steadily tightening its compatibility requirements, and the latest announcement hits close to home for many Mac users. Google's latest browser update brings unwelcome news for Mac users running older systems. Chrome 150 will mark the final version compatible with macOS Monterey, according to Google's Chrome Platform Status website. With Chrome 144 currently serving as the latest release, users have a limited window before this significant change takes effect. The shift affects thousands of Mac owners who rely on Chrome for daily browsing but can't upgrade their hardware to support newer operating systems.

Let's break down what this means for your daily workflow and what options you have moving forward.

What happens when Chrome 150 arrives

Here's what you need to know: Chrome 150 will continue working on Monterey systems, but it won't receive any further updates, as confirmed by Mac Review. That means no security patches, no new features, and no bug fixes once that version hits your system. Google will display warning messages to alert users about the outdated software status.

For fresh installations, Chrome 151 and later versions will require macOS 13 Ventura or newer to even start, according to How-To Geek. If you're planning to set up Chrome on a new Mac or after a system restore, you'll need that OS upgrade first.

The frustrating reality is that your browser will still work—it's not like Chrome 150 will suddenly stop launching. But you'll be stuck without critical security updates while the web continues evolving around you.

Why Google is making this security-focused decision

Google's move centers on maintaining online safety standards. The company emphasizes that operating Chrome on supported systems is crucial for security, as reported by How-To Geek. The technical reality is straightforward: Apple ended mainstream security updates for macOS Monterey sometime in 2024; Monterey no longer receives routine security updates from Apple, placing it outside the manufacturer's support framework, according to Heise.

This creates a foundation problem that Google can no longer solve through browser updates alone. Think of it like trying to secure a house when the foundation itself has known weak spots that can't be repaired. While Google has historically provided some protection against browser-based vulnerabilities even on unsupported systems, that safety net becomes increasingly ineffective without underlying OS security patches.

This security reasoning directly impacts your decision timeline—the longer you wait, the more vulnerable your system becomes to emerging threats.

Your planning timeline: When to expect changes

Chrome 150 is expected to launch around mid-2026, based on Mac Review's analysis. Given Chrome's typical four-week update cycle, version 151 should arrive approximately 32 weeks later, around late August 2026, according to 9to5Mac.

This timeline aligns with Google's historical approach of dropping operating system support roughly three to four years after release, as noted by Mac Review. The predictable pattern gives you several months to evaluate your options, but those months tend to pass quickly when you're weighing hardware upgrade costs against switching browsers.

PRO TIP: Use this timeline to budget for a potential Mac upgrade or to test alternative browsers now, while you're not under pressure to make a quick decision.

Which Macs need immediate attention and your solution paths

Several Mac models from 2015 and 2016 can only run Monterey as their maximum supported operating system, according to Mac Review. If your Mac falls into this category, you have two main paths forward.

Option 1: Switch to Firefox - Firefox remains a viable alternative that still supports Monterey through its Extended Support Release program until March 2026, as reported by Heise. Switching to Firefox allows continued security updates while using older hardware, according to How-To Geek. This gives you nearly a year of protected browsing while you plan your next move.

Option 2: Upgrade to macOS Ventura or later - For those who can upgrade, moving to macOS 13 Ventura or later ensures continued Chrome compatibility and security protection. Before committing to this route, test your Mac's performance with the newer OS, as older hardware can sometimes feel sluggish after major system upgrades.

Evaluation criteria: Consider your Mac's age, current performance, how heavily you rely on Chrome-specific features, and your budget for potential hardware replacement.

Creating your personal action plan

Bottom line: Chrome's departure from Monterey reflects the broader challenge of maintaining security on aging systems, but you don't have to be caught off-guard. Users running affected Macs should start evaluating their options now, while they have time to test solutions and make informed decisions.

Start by checking if your Mac can handle macOS Ventura or later through Apple's compatibility requirements. If hardware limitations prevent OS upgrades, download and test Firefox to ensure it meets your browsing needs and performance expectations.

While Chrome 150 will continue functioning after support ends, the lack of security patches makes this a risky long-term strategy, as emphasized by iClarified. The key is making your transition choice proactively rather than reactively when warning messages start appearing and your security exposure has already increased.

This change underscores how quickly the tech landscape evolves, but with proper planning, you can maintain both security and productivity regardless of which path you choose.