Millions of Apple users warned to stop using Chrome—here’s the risk

Apple users relying on Google Chrome to browse the web may need to reconsider their options after both Apple and Google issued serious warnings that could affect millions of devices.

Google announced that starting with version 151, Chrome will no longer support macOS 12 Monterey or earlier.

“You’ll need to ensure your device is running macOS 13 or later to continue receiving future Chrome releases,” the company said on its help page.

Meanwhile Apple says Chrome’s aggressive data tracking and integration of AI could increase risks to user privacy.

Users of outdated Apple hardware may soon have to choose between upgrading their devices or ditching Chrome altogether.

Why It Matters

Chrome remains one of the most widely used apps on macOS, but its continued support hinges on users running newer operating systems.

While Chrome will still technically run on unsupported systems, it will no longer be patched for vulnerabilities, which would expose users to security threats.

What to Know

Apple has also taken aim at Chrome for what it describes as invasive data collection practices, particularly with the resurgence of “digital fingerprinting.”

Digital fingerprinting is a tracking technique that collects numerous data points from a user’s device—such as hardware specs, browser settings and installed fonts—to generate a unique profile that websites can use to follow users across the internet.

Unlike cookies, fingerprinting cannot be easily detected or deleted by users. Apple has flagged this practice as particularly invasive, noting that Safari counters it by masking device details to make users less individually identifiable.

“Intelligent Tracking Prevention uses on‑device intelligence to help prevent those trackers from learning who you are and what you’re interested in,” Apple says on its website.

In 2019, Google banned the practice, noting that with fingerprinting, “unlike cookies, users cannot clear their fingerprint, and therefore cannot control how their information is collected. We think this subverts user choice and is wrong.”

However, Google no longer bans fingerprinting in Chrome, and the company itself has acknowledged the related threats, saying its response involves a “layered defense” approach to reduce potential harm.

What’s Next

Users have until mid-2026 to upgrade to a supported version of macOS if they want to continue using Chrome securely.

Individuals with unsupported hardware face a difficult choice: either replace their Macs or switch to a browser that will continue offering updates for older systems.

For iPhone users, Apple’s recommendation is to switch to Safari or another privacy-focused browser like Firefox or DuckDuckGo.

Newsweek has reached out to Apple for comment via email.

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