Updated: Google yanks Apple Silicon Chrome port after browser is found to 'crash unexpectedly'

[steven36]

You'll have to run x86 version through the Rosetta2 emulation layer, or give it access to the Mac Bluetooth radio

 

 

Google's attempt to launch its Apple Silicon port of Chrome got off to a rocky start after it was forced to pull the browser over stability concerns.

 

"Earlier today we updated our Chrome download page to include a new version of Chrome optimized for new macOS devices featuring an Apple processor," wrote a company representative on the Chrome support pages. "We've discovered that the version of Chrome made available for download today may crash unexpectedly."

 

At the time of writing, the Arm port remains unavailable. Those who have already downloaded it are left with two options: use the standard x86 version, which will run happily through the Rosetta2 emulation layer, or use a workaround that involves giving Chrome access to the Mac's Bluetooth radio.

 

The emulated version shouldn't prove unbearably slow. Benchmarks of Apple's latest in binary translation tech shows Rosetta2 is roughly 20 per cent slower than the native equivalents. Given this is a fairly brisk chip to begin with, performance is roughly comparable to what you'd get with a well-specced last-generation Mac.

 

Still, this episode is more than a touch embarrassing for Google, particularly given the pains made by Apple to ease the switch to Apple Silicon. These included a nearly six-months head start, as well as access to ARM-powered Developer Transition Kit machines, to iron out any kinks.

 

Released earlier this week, Chrome 87 comes with several performance enhancements, as well as changes designed to improve user security. Included is a fix for the NAT Slipstream attack identified last month by hacker Samy Kamkar, plus new tab prioritisation tech, which Google claims will reduce CPU utilisation by up to five times, reduce RAM usage, and extend battery life by up to 1.25 hours.

 

We've asked Google when it will re-upload the Apple Silicon port of Chrome, and will update this post should we hear back.

 

Update: Google has now emitted what it says is a fixed build of the Apple Arm port of Chrome.

 

An updated version of Chrome that contains the fix for this behavior is available now on the Chrome download page. When prompted, select “Mac with Apple chip”.

 

If you don’t download the update directly from our Chrome download page, it will be delivered automatically to your device over the coming weeks.

 

Thanks,

Craig, Chrome Support Manager

 

Source

[steven36]

Post  updated  they seem to have  fixed the bug and re released  it at lest you can get it at Chrome download page  but it will take weeks to get it from apple's walled garden .💀

 

Quote

Apple Silicon SOC or ASS for short.

I thought it was normal  for chromium  browsers to crash