Google Accelerates Chrome Release Timeline to a Two-Week Cycle
Chrome 153 has been launched by Google as part of a new two-week development period that covers desktop, Android, and iOS versions of the web browser. In order to shorten the period for deployment, Google has decided to halve the four-week period, making it easier for end users to get their hands on security patches and performance/feature improvements.
The increase in deployment frequency makes it possible for Google to decrease the period when users are vulnerable because of security bugs. Also, the update of smaller size will allow software engineers and web developers to isolate bugs much more easily. Thus, it is one more step for Google to protect itself from competition in the desktop market and build up infrastructure protection against web attacks.
To avoid any disruption in the work of enterprises, Google will continue using its Extended Stable channel that provides feature updates within eight weeks plus weekly security updates. Nevertheless, Google recommends that corporate IT administrators follow the two-week development cycle.
It is part of an ongoing trend in the industry where the software release pipeline is continuously being sped up. Google changed its schedule for Chrome updates in 2021 from six weeks to four weeks, consistent with a general shift in the tech sector towards CI and CD. Given that Chrome 154 is currently being tested in beta, rapid releases have become the norm in modern web browsers.
From here on out, Google’s more rapid update schedule will provide a standard for competing browser companies. Such an adjusted software release cycle redefines the traditional maintenance processes within the whole digital ecosystem. With other browser manufacturers being compelled to change their pace of operations in accordance with Google’s rapid rhythm, software development companies and enterprises need to adopt the practice of shorter cycles as well.
