However, on an iOS 12.5.5 device, this process will not succeed. Instead of downloading the latest version, the App Store will display an error message similar to: "This app requires iOS 14.0 or later," or "This app requires iOS 16.0 or later," because the app’s minimum requirements are now higher than your device’s operating system. Due to Apple's security protocols, there is no official way to directly download the latest version of Chrome on this older operating system.
The last version of Chrome that works on iOS 12.5.5 is Chrome 94 , released in late 2021. The current Chrome version (120+) requires iOS 15 or newer.
While iOS 12 devices are 64-bit architectures, their hardware profiles (typically 1GB of RAM) struggle to handle modern Chrome updates, leading Google to phase out official support. The Official Workaround: The "Purchased" Trick
While Google Chrome officially requires a much newer version of iOS to download directly from the App Store today, there is a legitimate workaround to install a compatible version on your older device. Here is a complete guide on how to safely download and run Google Chrome on iOS 12.5.5. The Compatibility Challenge Explained Google Chrome For Ios 12.5 5- Download
The Ultimate Workaround: Download the Last Compatible Version
This is the safest, officially supported method. When you try to download an app that is too new for your iOS version, the App Store often steps in and offers to install the last known version that worked on your system. Here’s how to do it:
: Drag and drop the downloaded legacy Chrome .ipa file into the desktop software interface. However, on an iOS 12
: Once it is in your account's "Purchased" history, return to your iOS 12.5.5 device and follow the steps above to download the legacy version. Recommended Alternatives
Select the section. If you use Family Sharing, tap My Purchases . Use the search bar at the top to type in Google Chrome .
The latest version of Google Chrome requires . Because iOS 12.5.5 (and the newer 12.5.7) are legacy versions of the operating system, you cannot download the current version of Chrome directly from the App Store. The last version of Chrome that works on iOS 12
If you are holding onto an older Apple device like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, or iPad Mini 3, your operating system tops out at iOS 12.5.5 (or slightly later iterations of the iOS 12 security updates). Keeping these legacy devices functional can be a challenge, especially when it comes to web browsing.
Disclaimer: Google and Apple frequently update their systems. While this method works for the majority of legacy devices, app availability can change.
Google Chrome for iOS 12.5.5 Download: Ultimate Compatibility Guide