Google Chrome Is Switching To a Two-Week Release Cycle

Source: Slashdot

Overview

Google is accelerating Chrome’s major release cadence from four weeks to two weeks, starting with version 153 on September 8. The goal is to give developers and users immediate access to the latest performance improvements, fixes, and new capabilities.

“Building on our history of adapting our release process to match the demands of a modern web, Chrome is moving to a two‑week release cycle.” – Google

The company emphasizes that the smaller scope of each release will:

• Minimize disruption
• Simplify post‑release debugging
• Maintain high standards for stability thanks to recent process enhancements

Release Details

• Major releases: Every two weeks (starting with version 153).
• Security updates: Weekly security patches will continue between milestones.
• Supported platforms: Desktop, Android, and iOS.

Beta Channel

• A Chrome Beta for each version will ship three weeks before the stable release.
• Developers are encouraged to test with the Beta to stay ahead of changes that might affect sites and applications.

Impact on Channels

• Dev and Canary: No changes; they will continue as before.
• Stable: Follows the new two‑week cadence.

Enterprise & Chromebook

• The eight‑week Extended Stable release schedule for enterprise customers and Chromium embedders remains unchanged.
• Chromebooks: Will receive the latest Chrome releases after dedicated platform testing. Google is adapting Chromebook channels for the new two‑week cycle and will provide more details on milestone updates for managed devices.

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References

• Accelerating Chrome’s major release cadence – 9to5Google
• Chrome release schedule – Chromium Dash