Google releases Arm version of Chrome for Macs with Apple M1-soc

Google has made a version of Chrome 87 that runs natively on Macs with the new Apple M1-soc. Google already started releasing it on Tuesday, but it has been temporarily stopped. The Arm version should be available again on Wednesday.

Users of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13 “and Mac mini with Apple M1-soc can choose the Arm version when downloading Chrome, reports a Chrome designer on Twitter. Those who have already installed the x86 version may also receive the Arm version as an automatic update.

Google already released the Arm version of Chrome 87 for macOS on Tuesday, without disclosing anything about it in the announcement of the new browser version. Chrome product manager Mark Chang reports that the rollout has been paused due to unexpected crashes, but will resume on Wednesday.

The x86 version of Chrome also works on Macs with the M1-soc, but runs via emulation with Rosetta2. According to The Verge, Chrome also works smoothly on the new Macs with emulation. A native Arm version should be even faster.

Apple released its first Macs with Arm-soc this week. Initial reviews indicate that the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13 “and Mac mini with M1-soc perform significantly better than predecessors equipped with Intel processors.