Google Chrome and Calendar Apps Will Stop Working on Older Androids

Google has announced that it will cease providing updates for its Chrome browser on smartphones running outdated versions of the Android operating system. This decision also extends to the discontinuation of updates for the Google Calendar app on these devices. To continue receiving updates, which typically include new features and security fixes, users with older smartphones will need to either update to a newer Android version or consider purchasing a new handset.

As indicated in a recently updated support article for Google’s Chrome browser, the company is set to end support for devices operating on Android 7.1 (Nougat) and older versions starting with Chrome version 120, expected to roll out in early 2024. The support page explicitly states, “‘Chrome 120 will not support nor ship to users running Android Nougat.”

Chrome version 119 includes a message urging users on older smartphones to update to a newer Android version. Consequently, smartphones not running Android 8 (Oreo) or a more recent version will not receive an update to Chrome 120. This decision is anticipated to impact around 8 percent of Android smartphone owners using Android Nougat and earlier versions, based on Android usage statistics from June.

With the minimum supported Android version for Google Chrome now set at Android 8, attempting to sideload the APK for Chrome 120 and later versions on Android 7 and older versions will be unsuccessful. Users who have delayed updating their phones to the latest available version will need to download and install it to continue receiving updates. This applies to most users with older smartphones and no pending Android OS update.

Additionally, TheSpAndroid reports that Google is crafting a message for Google Calendar users on Android 7.1 and older releases, notifying them of the discontinuation of support for their Android version. Users will be prompted to update to a newer version of Google’s operating system, preventing them from using Google Calendar versions 2023-46-0-581792699 and later, according to the report.

Read more: Google Messages Get Ultra HDR Image Support for RCS Chats.

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