Google Chrome to End Support for Android Nougat

Google recently announced that it will stop providing support and updates for its popular Chrome browser on Android devices running Nougat versions 7.0 and 7.1. This change will take effect with the release of Chrome version 120, which is expected before the end of the year. As the most widely used mobile browser, Chrome comes preinstalled on the majority of Android smartphones and tablets. However, Android Nougat is now outdated, originally launching back in 2016.

Currently, Android 7 Nougat holds just a small 2.6% share of the worldwide Android installed base. The latest version, Android 13, has seen rapid adoption and already accounts for over 22% of active Android devices globally. With such a minor proportion still on Nougat after over 6 years, continuing full Chrome support is no longer practical for Google. Older operating systems tend to be more vulnerable to security issues as they are further from ongoing development and patch releases. Ending support will allow Google to focus engineering efforts on more recent Android releases.

While this news spells the end of official updates for Nougat users, there are still other browser options available. Mozilla Firefox, for example, still supports Android releases as far back as version 5. Firefox provides a privacy-focused alternative that is independently developed and not tied to any single operating system. Those sticking with outdated Android versions may benefit from Firefox's longer support lifespan. However, for optimal security and the latest web features, upgrading to a newer Android OS would be advisable for most devices still capable of upgrading.

In addition to dropping Nougat support, Chrome 120 is expected to debut several new capabilities on updated Android systems. Planned features include enhanced privacy controls like restrictions on cross-site tracking cookies. The browser UI is also undergoing a redesign, with a refreshed new tab page. By concentrating efforts on the latest Android releases where the vast majority of users are, Google can optimize Chrome development to best benefit the Android ecosystem going forward.

In conclusion, while this move spells the end of official Chrome support for aging Android Nougat devices, it allows Google to devote more resources to recent Android versions where most users are now. Owners of outdated Nougat phones and tablets have alternate browser options or can consider upgrading to a newer OS for improved security, features and app compatibility.