Chrome to Phase Out MV2 Extensions in 2026, Affecting uBlock Origin and Others
Google has confirmed plans to remove support for Manifest Version 2 (MV2) extensions in Chrome, a move that will impact users of tools like uBlock Origin starting with the Chrome 150 release, according to a statement from the Chromium team. The update, scheduled for 2026, will eliminate the final compatibility flag allowing MV2 extensions to operate, forcing developers to adopt the newer Manifest Version 3 (MV3) framework.
Timeline and Technical Shift
The transition from MV2 to MV3 has been gradual, with Chrome beginning to phase out MV2 support in 2023. However, the removal of the last compatibility flag—initially expected in 2024—was delayed, according to a 2024 Chromium blog post. While no official release date for Chrome 150 has been announced, sources within the Chromium project indicate the change is likely to occur in 2026. This aligns with Google’s broader effort to modernize extension architecture, emphasizing background services and improved performance.
Impact on Users and Developers
Extensions relying on MV2, such as ad blockers and privacy tools, will need to update their code to comply with MV3 requirements. uBlock Origin, one of the most popular extensions, has already begun transitioning to MV3, with its developers stating in a 2024 GitHub post that “full compatibility is expected by mid-2025.” Users may face disruptions if they do not update their extensions, though Google has provided migration guides for developers.
Industry Reactions and Challenges
The shift has drawn mixed responses. While some developers praise MV3’s security and efficiency improvements, others criticize the complexity of the transition. A 2024 survey by the Web Extensions Alliance found that 60% of extension creators faced delays in adapting to MV3. Meanwhile, privacy advocates have raised concerns about potential restrictions on user control, though Google maintains that MV3 enhances transparency through stricter API access.
What Comes Next?
As Chrome 150 approaches, users are advised to monitor updates from extension developers and Google. The transition reflects broader industry trends toward more secure and efficient web technologies, mirroring similar shifts by Mozilla and Microsoft. For now, the exact 2026 timeline remains subject to change, with Google emphasizing flexibility in its development roadmap.
Chromium blog post on MV2 deprecation
uBlock Origin GitHub repository
Web Extensions Alliance 2024 survey