Google Chrome is today being updated to run natively on Apple Silicon. The newest version of the browser will be optimized for the M1 chip inside the new Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.
Apple Silicon, like the A-series chips found inside iPhone and iPad, is based on Arm. It uses an entirely different architecture to Intel chips, which means software must be updated to run natively.
Any apps that aren’t updated, like earlier versions of Chrome, are emulated. But fortunately for early M1 adopters, many developers are working quickly to support Apple Silicon as soon as possible.
Google Chrome is the latest to get an Apple Silicon update.
Google Chrome now runs natively on Apple M1
The latest Chrome release, version M87, includes full support for the M1 chip. That means it should be snappier, more efficient, and more reliable on Apple’s latest crop of machines.
When you download the newest release, you will be prompted to select which version you wish to install. Be sure to select “Mac with Apple chip” rather than “Mac with Intel chip” if you have an M1 Mac.
If you want to use Chrome on new Macs with Apple M1 chips, head to https://t.co/uIyDy5PSMS and download the Apple Silicon version we released in M87 today! pic.twitter.com/11uDaIYUR4
— Elvin (@elvin_not_11) November 17, 2020
Some Chrome users noticed that the M87 update actually started appearing on Tuesday. However, its official release isn’t until today, so if you don’t see it yet, try downloading the update a little later.
Big performance improvements
Google previously promised that the next version of its popular browser will bring “the largest gain in Chrome performance in years.” That’s thanks to plenty of internal improvements and optimizations.
Chrome fans will be pleased to hear those claims given the browser’s reputation for being a resource hog. Here’s to hoping Google delivers on that promise.
