Applies to managed Chrome browsers on Windows and Mac.
In Chrome version 153, Chrome browser is moving to a 2-week release cycle. Read the announcement.
The Extended Stable channel provides a secure and stable option for enterprises that cannot accommodate a 2-week release cycle.
Release cycle and cadence
To provide an Extended Stable release, Chrome browser maintains the milestone branch for 6 additional weeks by back-porting important security fixes to create an Extended Stable channel, where a new milestone is shipped every 8 weeks.
The Stable channel follows a 2-week release cycle, whereas the Extended Stable channel operates on an 8-week release cycle.
- First 2 weeks of milestone—Stable and Extended Stable are identical.
- Next 6 weeks of milestone—Extended Stable receives weekly refreshes that include the same security fixes as the Stable branch, wherever technically possible. For details, go to Security updates below.
|
Channel |
Week 0 |
Week 2 |
Week 4 |
Week 6 |
Week 8 |
Week 10 |
Week 12 |
Week 14 |
Week 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stable |
152 |
153 |
154 |
155 |
156 |
157 |
158 |
159 |
160 |
|
Extended Stable |
152 |
152 |
152 |
152 |
156 |
156 |
156 |
156 |
160 |
Note: These are example numbers for the purposes of illustration, not an actual schedule.
Security updates
Extended Stable receives feature updates less frequently than Stable, but it continues to receive weekly refreshes for security fixes. While the team makes an effort to back-port all critical high and medium severity security fixes, complex changes or large features that improve security might only be available on the Stable channel. The 2-week Stable option remains the most secure choice and should be used if security is a larger concern than maintenance costs.
Management and platform availability
Extended Stable is currently available for managed devices on Windows and Mac platforms. It is not supported on mobile (iOS or Android). Administrators can manage this channel through the TargetChannel policy. On Windows, administrators can also use specific MSI installers for Extended Stable, while Mac supports PKG/DMG distribution.
Test and preview
Google recommends that you test the Extended Stable channel on a small set of machines or organizational units before deploying it on your entire fleet.