If you’re still happily browsing the web on an older Intel Mac, an important Google Chrome change is on the horizon. Google has confirmed that Chrome version 150 will be the last release to support macOS 12 Monterey. After that, Macs running Monterey will stop receiving new Chrome versions, which also means missing out on future features and, more importantly, ongoing security updates.
This update matters because a large number of Intel-based Macs that launched before 2018 are stuck in a tricky spot. Apple’s newer macOS releases don’t support many of these older models, so upgrading the operating system isn’t always an option. In particular, macOS 13 Ventura drops support for Macs released prior to 2017, which leaves many Monterey users unable to move forward without changing hardware.
Here’s the lineup of Intel Macs that are officially supported by macOS Ventura:
iMac (2017 and later)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac mini (2018 and later)
Mac Pro (2019 and later)
MacBook Pro (2017 and later)
MacBook Air (2018 and later)
MacBook (2017)
If your Mac isn’t on that list and you’re currently using Monterey, Chrome reaching its final supported version could force a decision. One route is buying a newer Mac that supports the latest macOS versions and will continue receiving browser and system security updates. Another route is switching browsers to keep your current machine usable and safer online.
The good news is that Chrome won’t be the only way to browse the internet on older Macs. If you want to keep using unsupported Intel hardware, Mozilla Firefox is a strong alternative, especially since many of these Macs can run macOS 10.15 Catalina. Some other browsers are also expected to continue supporting macOS Monterey for now, including Brave and Opera, giving Monterey users additional options without immediately replacing their computer.
Apple Silicon Macs, meanwhile, are not the ones feeling the pressure here. They continue to be supported, and they’re far more likely to remain compatible with the newest macOS releases moving forward.
The key takeaway: if you rely on Chrome for everyday browsing on macOS Monterey, it’s worth planning ahead now. Once Chrome 150 is the last compatible version, staying on it long-term could expose you to security risks over time, so exploring alternative browsers or considering a hardware upgrade will help you stay protected and up to date.
