You can now get a version of Google’s Chrome browser that’s optimized for Apple Silicon Macs

Following a snag with yesterday’s debut of a new Chrome version that’s optimized for M1-powered Macs, Google has now resumed rolling out Chrome for ‌Apple Silicon‌ Macs.

If you downloaded Chrome for Apple Silicon Macs yesterday, and it’s crashing unexpectedly, know that the Chrome team has identified a fix and will be making it available soon.

Meanwhile, a Google support document outlines recommended workaround:

  • Open System Preferences on your Mac.
  • Navigate to “Security & Privacy.”
  • At the top, choose “Privacy.”
  • From the left, select “Bluetooth.”
  • Below your approved applications, click the “(+)” button.
  • Choose “Google Chrome” from the list.
  • Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.

Or, uninstall your copy of Chrome by dragging its icon to the Trashcan and visit the Chrome download page, then choose “Mac with Intel chip” when downloading Chrome, if prompted.

The current Chrome version isn’t yet fully optimized for macOS Big Sur, beyond a new icon which you can see top of post. The icon is present in today’s Chrome 87 release on macOS.

Similarly, to get Google Chrome for Apple Silicon Macs when it launches later today, visit the Chrome download page and click the option “Mac with Apple chip.” Conversely, to get the Intel-based version instead, click the option “Mac with Intel chip.”

If you have an M1-powered Mac, grab the Apple Silicon-optimized version of Chrome to enjoy perks like speedy execution and lower battery consumption.

How to use tab groups in Chrome

On Macs with Intel chips, use the Intel-based Chrome version. You can run the Intel edition of Chrome for Mac on M1-powered Macs via Rosetta emulation but at the expense of speed.