Countdown to The End of Chrome Apps
Change is the only constant in the cloud world, and Google is entering the final stages of a major transition. Google will phase out Chrome Apps in favor of modern Web Apps.
If your organization does not use Chrome Apps in your environment, you can safely disregard this update. However, if you rely on them for kiosks, digital signage, or user sessions, it is time for you to review the discontinuation timelines.
Although Google first announced the end of support for Chrome Apps back in 2016, and later extended support for Enterprise and Education customers through January 2025, the final deadlines are now locked in.
This timeline applies to all Chrome Apps, including Legacy (v1) packaged apps, Hosted apps, and self-hosted Chrome Apps.
The Final Discontinuation Timeline
With most developers and users already migrated away from Chrome Apps, the final schedule is rolling out across the following milestones:
- July 2026 (Scheduled for ChromeOS M150):
- This is the last ChromeOS release that supports Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode.
- Devices on the Long-Term Support (LTS) channel will receive support for Chrome Apps in Kiosk Mode until April 2027.
- The Chrome Sign Builder app will no longer be supported at the end of the M150 LTS cycle in April 2027.
- February 2027 (Scheduled for ChromeOS M160):
- ChromeOS will disable admin-installed Chrome Apps in Managed Guest Sessions (MGS) and user sessions by default.
- Admins will be required to manually set a policy to re-enable them.
- February 2028 (Scheduled for ChromeOS M184):
- This is the last ChromeOS release to support Chrome Apps, marking the official end of life for the platform.
- Devices on the LTS channel can continue using them until October 2028. Google will grant no exceptions.
What You Need to Do: A 3-Step Action Plan
To ensure a smooth transition and avoid workflow disruptions, Google advises taking the following steps:
1. Audit Your Fleet
Identify exactly which apps are configured in your ecosystem:
- Log into the Google Admin console
- Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Apps & Extensions
- Click + Search or add a filter, select Type, and choose Chrome
Note: This filtered list will display both Chrome Apps and Chrome extensions. Only Chrome Apps are being discontinued; your extensions will remain unaffected. Look for built-in warnings within the Admin console to help identify force-installed Chrome Apps that require immediate attention.
2. Engage with Developers
Contact your third-party app developers immediately to discuss their Chrome App migration options. Google has advised developers to communicate their transition plans directly to their customers.
3. Plan Your Migration
Begin transitioning any in-house or critical workflows away from Chrome Apps and toward alternative solutions, such as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
Help is Here
Transitioning legacy tools requires careful planning, but you do not have to manage it alone. Contact us or meet with a Cloud Advisor to ensure a seamless, compliant transition.
About the Author
Allen Falcon is the co-founder and CEO of Cumulus Global. Allen co-founded Cumulus Global in 2006 to offer small businesses enterprise-grade email security and compliance using emerging cloud solutions. He has led the company’s growth into a managed cloud service provider with over 1,000 customers throughout North America.
