Google’s flagship browser – Chrome has long supported stand-alone apps for multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, etc. However, in an effort to simplify the browser, the company had hinted at removing Chrome apps. Fast forward few years, we learn Google has readied the timeline for phasing out Chrome apps on Windows, Mac and Chrome OS.
Chrome apps to be phased out
Earlier, Google preferred Chrome apps since these apps did not require additional maintenance or writing them separately for different platforms. As such, the developers could write a single application that would work on all systems. However, all apps had to be submitted to the App Store. This was not required in the case of Progressive Web Apps and it did not demand submission to the App Store. Due to this very reason, PWAs were considered as far cost-effective than native mobile applications and therefore the preferred choice for Chrome.
Naturally, the software-giant had to wait until more Desktop Progress Web Apps were available to install on the platforms. This made Google push the timeline further, several times. Now, the company has finally released a definite timeline for the process.
With this continued progress, we are expanding upon our earlier announcement and will begin phasing out support for Chrome Apps across all operating systems.
The timeline is as follows –
- March 2020: Chrome Web Store will stop accepting new Chrome Apps. Developers will be able to update existing Chrome Apps through June 2022.
- June 2020: End support for Chrome Apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Customers who have Chrome Enterprise and Chrome Education Upgrade will have access to a policy to extend support through December 2020.
- December 2020: End support for Chrome Apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- June 2021: End support for NaCl, PNaCl, and PPAPI APIs.
- June 2021: End support for Chrome Apps on Chrome OS. Customers who have Chrome Enterprise and Chrome Education Upgrade will have access to a policy to extend support through June 2022.
- June 2022: End support for Chrome Apps on Chrome OS for all customers.
Google further notifies that the change will not impact support for Chrome Extensions. It will continue to support and invest in Chrome Extensions on all existing platforms.
For additional details like timelines, recommendations, FAQs and more, Google suggests users visit its Chrome Apps migration site.
