I have a 2017 MacBook Air running macOS Mojave 10.14.6, and Chrome is currently version 116.0.5845.187. Recently, services such as Tubi and HBO Max stopped working because the browser is too old. Chrome says it needs a newer operating system, but I haven't been able to update this Mac through the usual methods. I mainly use the laptop for streaming, web browsing, word processing, and light business tasks. Is there a way to update macOS or use a supported browser, or will I need a new computer?
4 Answers
Monterey may solve the immediate Chrome problem, but Google has also ended or limited current Chrome support for older macOS releases. If Chrome remains unsupported, try another browser that still supports Monterey. For a newer macOS version, tools such as OpenCore Legacy Patcher can sometimes install unsupported releases, but they require more technical setup and should only be attempted after making a complete backup.
Your MacBook Air should officially support macOS Monterey, also known as macOS 12, which is several releases newer than Mojave. Before upgrading, make a full Time Machine backup, then download the Monterey installer from Apple’s official support or App Store page and run it. That should allow you to install a much newer version of Chrome, although Monterey itself is also an older, unsupported system now.
Just to clarify, Macs use macOS rather than iOS. A 2017 MacBook Air can normally be upgraded to Monterey, likely macOS 12.7.x. That is the first thing I’d try before considering a replacement computer.
You can also look into a Catalina patcher or OpenCore Legacy Patcher. These tools are designed to install newer macOS versions on hardware Apple no longer officially supports. They may restore access to newer browsers, but unofficial upgrades can have compatibility, performance, or security drawbacks, so an officially supported Monterey installation is the safer first option.
Thanks! I’ll try backing everything up and installing Monterey.