Google has announced the discontinuation of support for its popular Chrome browser on the Android Nougat operating system, versions 7.0 and 7.1.
This decision will take effect starting with version 120 of the browser, which the company has recently released in a beta version, preparing for a full launch to all users before the end of the current year.
Google Chrome is the most widely used browser on all Android devices as it comes pre-installed by default.
Android Nougat, which was launched in 2016, marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history, coinciding with the release of the initial versions of its Pixel phones.
It signifies the shift where Google began to provide both hardware and software to users.
Currently, Android Nougat, versions 7.0 and 7.1, makes up about 2.6% of the total devices running the Android operating system, while Android 13 is the most widely used Android version, with a share of over 22%.
It’s worth noting that Google dropped support for Chrome on Android 6 at the end of last year with version 107 of the browser.
Unlike the discontinuation of support for Android Nougat, the new Chrome browser version 120 on Android introduces a range of changes, including new transparency settings and options to disable third-party cookies to limit user tracking. Additionally, it features a redesigned new tab page and more.
Users of older devices running Android Nougat can opt for alternative browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox, which still supports older Android systems, including Android 5.
