Google Drops Support for “Old” Browsers in GMail and Apps
Browser testing is a pain. There’s nothing worse than completing your web masterpiece only to find it breaks in browser X, version Y on OS Z when the user’s eating a tuna sandwich and facing North.
Google suffers the same distress but, within 2 months, they intend to solve the problem. According to their official blog:
Google Apps will only support modern browsers. Beginning August 1st, we’ll support the current and prior major release of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari on a rolling basis. Each time a new version is released, we’ll begin supporting the update and stop supporting the third-oldest version.
Opera? It’s strange Google rarely mentions the fifth most-popular browser. It may have a relatively small 2% market share, but 2% is a lot of people and Opera has the most-used mobile browser. Give ’em a break, Google! Many of us test in Opera — you should too.
Google’s new policy has been determined by development teams who want to make use of modern HTML5 techniques such as file drag-and-drop or desktop integration. Older browsers should remain usable for a while, but certain application features will fail or be disabled. Eventually, an old browser may stop working altogether.
The policy raises a number of interesting questions. Both Google and Mozilla have implemented rapid release schedules and Firefox 5 is due within a few weeks. At that point, Google will abandon Firefox 3.x — a browser which was superseded only a few months ago and still enjoys a sizable 14% market share.
The bigger news is IE10. It could be released before the end of 2011 and, once that happens, Google will drop support for IE8 — the world’s most used browser and the only version of IE which can be installed on Windows XP. According to StatCounter, XP is used by almost 46% of the net population and many corporations are entrenched on the aging operating system. If they’re using Google Apps, they’ll either need to upgrade or migrate to an alternative browser. Either way, that incurs staff retraining or OS purchase costs which could outweigh the savings made by switching to Google’s products.
Given the rapid updates made to Chrome and Firefox, Google’s definition of an “obsolete” browser could be a version that’s been around for little more than 3 months. Few developers test beyond the current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera but, like it or not, IE remains a special case.
It’s a brave move by Google. I admire their reasoning, but I’d be nervous about implementing a similar policy.
Would you?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Google’s Support for Old Browsers
What does it mean when Google drops support for old browsers?
When Google drops support for old browsers, it means that certain features and functionalities of Google’s services may not work properly on those browsers. This is because Google’s updates and improvements are designed to work with the latest versions of browsers. Users of old browsers may experience issues such as slow performance, glitches, or even inability to access certain services.
Why does Google stop supporting old browsers?
Google, like many other tech companies, stops supporting old browsers to ensure optimal performance and security for its users. Older browsers often lack the security features necessary to protect users from modern threats. Additionally, by focusing on newer browsers, Google can take advantage of the latest web technologies to provide a better user experience.
Which browsers are no longer supported by Google?
The specific browsers that Google no longer supports can vary over time as technology evolves. As of the time of writing, Google has dropped support for Internet Explorer 10 and older versions. It’s always best to check Google’s official documentation for the most up-to-date information.
What happens if I continue to use an unsupported browser?
If you continue to use an unsupported browser, you may encounter problems when using Google’s services. These problems can range from minor inconveniences, like slow loading times, to major issues, like being unable to access certain features or services. You may also be more vulnerable to security threats.
How can I find out if my browser is supported by Google?
You can find out if your browser is supported by Google by visiting Google’s official support pages. These pages provide a list of supported browsers for each of Google’s services. If your browser is not on the list, it is not supported.
What should I do if my browser is not supported by Google?
If your browser is not supported by Google, the best course of action is to update your browser to the latest version. If this is not possible, you may need to switch to a different browser that is supported by Google.
Does Google provide any assistance for users of unsupported browsers?
Google provides extensive documentation and support resources for users of its services. However, if you are using an unsupported browser, you may find that some of these resources are not available or do not work properly.
Are there any alternatives to Google’s services that support old browsers?
There are many alternatives to Google’s services that may support older browsers. However, these alternatives may not offer the same features or level of support as Google. It’s always best to use the most up-to-date browser possible for the best experience and security.
How often does Google update its list of supported browsers?
Google regularly updates its list of supported browsers to reflect the latest advancements in web technology. However, there is no set schedule for these updates. It’s always a good idea to check Google’s official support pages regularly for the most up-to-date information.
Where can I find more information about Google’s browser support policies?
You can find more information about Google’s browser support policies on its official support pages. These pages provide detailed information about which browsers are supported, what happens when a browser is no longer supported, and how to update or switch your browser.
Craig is a freelance UK web consultant who built his first page for IE2.0 in 1995. Since that time he's been advocating standards, accessibility, and best-practice HTML5 techniques. He's created enterprise specifications, websites and online applications for companies and organisations including the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, the Department of Energy & Climate Change, Microsoft, and more. He's written more than 1,000 articles for SitePoint and you can find him @craigbuckler.
