Google Chrome ends support for Android Jelly Bean

Users of an Android smartphone that still runs on Jelly Bean, i.e. versions 4.1 to 4.3, will soon no longer receive support for the Android version of Chrome. A piece of code reveals that Google is going to end support.

The clue to end support was found in a commit signaled by XDA Developers. The new code makes it clear that Android Jelly Bean, which contains version numbers 4.1 through 4.3, is no longer supported by the Android version of the Chrome browser.

Currently, Android 4.1 is the oldest version of the mobile operating system still supported by Google with its Chrome browser. After the changes, at least Android KitKat, either version 4.4 and higher, will be required to install the application or to make updates. The usage data shows that just over 3 percent of Android users still use an Android version in the Jelly Bean series.

It is not clear when exactly support will be discontinued. Since the clue was found in a piece of code and Google has not disclosed anything about it, it remains to be seen when the changes will be implemented.