Apple Reminder: Chrome will no longer support older iPhones and Macs, and inability to upgrade the system may lead to hacking risks

Apple and Google warn that outdated Apple devices’ browsers are no longer supported, Chrome will stop supporting old macOS versions, and WebKit vulnerabilities expose users to risks.

Browser security alerts are rising, and the risk for users of outdated systems is increasing

Recently, Apple and Google have simultaneously issued security alerts to a large number of users, pointing out that users still using old iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices with outdated operating systems are gradually becoming new targets for hackers. The warnings focus on browser compatibility and exposed system vulnerabilities, with Chrome on some older Apple devices soon to cease updates, further increasing risks.

Apple explicitly emphasizes Safari’s security advantages within its ecosystem through user privacy prompts and notes that third-party browsers still rely on WebKit at the core, raising concerns about the protection capabilities of old devices. Security researchers state that browsers process a large amount of untrusted content from the internet daily, and once security updates stop, they quickly become attack entry points.

Chrome will stop supporting old macOS versions, and users will lose security updates

Google has confirmed that Chrome 150 will be the last version supporting macOS 12 Monterey, and starting from Chrome 151, the minimum system requirement will be raised to macOS 13 Ventura. Since Apple stopped supporting Monterey in mid-2024, this means many old Macs that cannot upgrade their systems will only be able to continue using browsers that no longer receive updates in the future.

Google states that although older versions of Chrome can still operate, they will no longer receive security patches or new features. Experts warn that unpatched browsers are equivalent to long-open doors, allowing hackers to launch attacks via phishing sites or malicious scripts. Recently, the Chrome team urgently patched up to 10 vulnerabilities, some of which could allow remote execution of malicious code, demonstrating that the risks are not just theoretical.

WebKit vulnerabilities affect all platforms, and Apple accelerates patch deployment

In addition to browser support issues, Apple has recently patched two major WebKit vulnerabilities. These flaws could allow users to be silently infected with malicious code simply by visiting specially crafted malicious websites, leading to theft of account passwords and financial information. These issues were discovered jointly by Apple and Google threat analysis teams, indicating that the attacks have a high technical threshold.

Apple has released patches in iOS 18.7.3, iPadOS 18.7.3, and newer versions such as iOS 26.2, with macOS Tahoe 26.2 also including the same protections. Since all browsers on iOS are based on WebKit, engine-level vulnerabilities will simultaneously affect Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Security experts warn that if old devices cannot upgrade their systems, even switching browsers may not truly mitigate risks; timely updates remain the most effective current defense.

This content is summarized by the Crypto Agent from various sources, reviewed and edited by “Crypto City.” It is still in the training phase and may contain logical biases or inaccuracies. The content is for reference only and should not be considered investment advice.