Chrome 127 Update Raises Concerns for uBlock Origin Extension Users

Google’s recent release of Chrome 127 in the Stable Channel has stirred up quite a bit of concern among users, particularly those relying on the widely-used ad blocker extension, uBlock Origin. Following the update, users began noticing an alarming message within the browser:

The uBlock Origin extension may soon be no longer supported.

Remove or replace it with similar extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

This warning has left many users wondering about the future of their trusted ad blocker. The developers of uBlock Origin extension addressed these concerns in a detailed GitHub article, shedding light on Google’s plans and what it means for the extension’s functionality.

Google’s Shift from Manifest V2 to V3

For those not familiar with browser extension architecture, “Manifest” refers to a set of rules dictating how extensions integrate with browsers and interact with web pages. Google has been planning to transition from Manifest V2 to V3 for some time, but this shift has not been without controversy.

User and Developer Pushback:
The migration has faced significant backlash from both users and developers. Critics argue that Manifest V3 imposes restrictions that undermine the capabilities of content blockers, like uBlock Origin. Due to this widespread discontent, Google has delayed the transition multiple times and made several amendments to address the concerns.

uBlock Origin and the Impact of Manifest V3

Despite these changes, Manifest V3 still presents considerable limitations for browser extensions. As a result, the uBlock Origin extension developers has no plans to create a Manifest V3 version of the original extension. Instead, they suggest users switch to uBlock Origin Lite — a scaled-down, Manifest V3-compliant version of the Adblocker extension for uBlock Origin Users.

Compromised Features:
While uBlock Origin Lite aims to maintain the reliability and efficiency of the original, it inevitably sacrifices some features that are no longer feasible under Manifest V3. Users can refer to a dedicated webpage that outlines the differences between uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite.

Transition Timeline and Alternatives

Google intends to complete the transition to Manifest V3 by the end of 2025. However, enterprise users will have a grace period, allowing them to continue using Manifest V2 extensions for an additional six months.

Choices for Users:
Given the significant changes, users must decide whether to stick with uBlock Origin until the final cutoff or switch to alternatives like uBlock Origin Lite. It’s worth noting that this decision is left entirely to the users—there will be no automatic upgrade from Manifest V2 to V3 for uBlock Origin.

Mozilla’s Stand

Interestingly, Mozilla, which develops the Firefox browser and does not rely on the Chromium engine, has announced that it does not plan to abandon Manifest V2 extensions. This means that uBlock Origin will continue to function in Firefox and other non-Chromium-based browsers that support Manifest V2.

So, the transition from Manifest V2 to V3 poses a significant challenge for users of uBlock Origin, forcing them to reconsider their options. While the future of this popular ad blocker in Chrome remains uncertain, alternatives and continued support in other browsers offer some solace to its dedicated user base.