Google has launched Chrome 138, the newest version of its browser, aimed at addressing multiple vulnerabilities. This update is available in versions 138.0.7204.49/50 for Windows and macOS, and 138.0.7204.49 for Linux.
Notably, Google has confirmed that none of these vulnerabilities have yet been exploited in real-world scenarios. One of the highlighted features in Chrome 138 is the improved tab groups functionality.
Users can now synchronize tab groups alongside passwords between their desktop and mobile devices, allowing for a more cohesive browsing experience. Additionally, Google has emphasized the enhanced ability to search, select, and copy text from scanned PDF documents.
However, it is important to note that this feature requires text recognition (OCR), and it remains unclear whether the process occurs locally or in the cloud. Google continues to expand its integration of artificial intelligence, with access to AI features requiring a Gemini subscription.
Several application programming interfaces (APIs) are available for AI functionalities: the Summarizer API facilitates the condensation of longer texts, the Language Detector API identifies the language of the text, and the Translator API offers translations into the desired language. For developers, the Prompt API allows Chrome extensions to utilize AI models.
Typically, Chrome updates automatically, but users can also manually check for updates through the Help or Settings menu. In addition to the desktop versions, Chrome for Android (138.0.7204.45) and iOS (138.0.7204.53) have also been updated to fix the same vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead, Google plans to release Chrome 139 by the end of July, with Chrome 139 for Android requiring Android 10 or later. Notably, Chrome 138 will be the last version compatible with Android 8 and 9.
As Chrome updates roll out, manufacturers of other Chromium-based browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi, will also need to align their updates. Currently, these browsers are still operating on prior security levels, with Vivaldi expected to take longer than its counterparts to implement the update.
Meanwhile, Opera’s version 119 is lagging behind on an outdated Chromium version, and its beta version, Opera 120, includes Chromium 135, rather than the latest 138.