Chrome Apps in 2025: The End of an Era and the Challenges of Enterprise Migration

The impending end-of-life for Chrome apps, set for October 2028, represents a significant inflection point for enterprises and developers. As detailed in Google's official deprecation notice, this transition affects not just individual users but entire organizations that have built critical workflows around Chrome apps. The challenges extend beyond simple migration, encompassing security vulnerabilities, enterprise deployment issues, and the limitations of Progressive Web App (PWA) alternatives.

Security Vulnerabilities and Data Protection

Recent security research has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in Chrome's infrastructure. A particularly concerning development is CVE-2025-4664, a vulnerability in Chrome's Loader component that enables cross-origin data leaks. As reported by The Hacker News, this vulnerability exposes sensitive user data and underscores the ongoing security risks in browser infrastructure. These security concerns are particularly relevant for enterprises managing sensitive data through Chrome apps.

Enterprise Deployment Challenges

Organizations face significant hurdles in managing Chrome Enterprise deployments, particularly on macOS. As documented in recent research, enterprises are grappling with installation failures, stability issues on M1/M2 chips, and compatibility gaps with OS updates. These challenges complicate the migration process and raise concerns about maintaining business continuity during the transition.

The PWA Migration Dilemma

The transition from Chrome apps to Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) presents numerous technical and user experience challenges. According to Chrome's migration documentation, developers face significant hurdles, including limited API access and the need for extensive user re-education. The NHS's experience, as detailed in their deprecation notice, illustrates the real-world impact of these challenges on critical services.

Key PWA Limitations

• Browser dependency and inconsistent iOS support
• Restricted access to device features (USB/Bluetooth)
• Storage limitations (Safari's 50MB cache limit)
• Aggressive data eviction policies

Critical Use Cases at Risk

The deprecation of Chrome apps threatens to disrupt numerous essential enterprise functions that have become deeply integrated into organizational workflows. From secure credential management to specialized printing solutions, organizations face significant challenges in maintaining critical operations. The transition to alternative solutions is complicated by technical limitations, security requirements, and the need to maintain business continuity.

Password Management

As reported in recent discussions, ChromeOS users risk losing access to critical password management functionality, with potential decryption challenges arising from deprecated apps no longer receiving updates. This poses a significant security risk for organizations that rely on Chrome apps for secure credential storage and management. The challenge is particularly acute for enterprises using specialized password management solutions that have not yet developed PWA alternatives.

Enterprise Printing

Organizations using Chrome apps for printing solutions, such as PaperCut, face operational disruptions. As noted in PaperCut's analysis, enterprises must migrate to less-integrated browser extensions or PWAs, potentially compromising workflow efficiency. The impact extends beyond basic printing functionality, affecting secure printing features, print job management, and integration with enterprise document management systems.

Healthcare and Financial Services

Healthcare providers and financial institutions face unique challenges due to their reliance on specialized Chrome apps for secure data access and compliance requirements. The NHS's experience with their Chrome extension deprecation, as detailed in their deprecation notice, highlights the complexity of maintaining secure access to sensitive systems while transitioning to alternative solutions.

Enterprise Authentication

Many organizations use Chrome apps for enterprise authentication and single sign-on solutions. The deprecation forces these organizations to either develop new authentication methods or migrate to alternative solutions, potentially disrupting user workflows and introducing new security considerations. This transition is particularly challenging for organizations with complex authentication requirements or those operating in highly regulated industries.

Legacy System Integration

Enterprises with legacy systems that rely on Chrome apps for integration face significant challenges in maintaining connectivity and functionality. These organizations must either develop new integration methods or risk losing access to critical business systems. The impact is especially severe for organizations in manufacturing, utilities, and other industries with specialized operational technology requirements.

Real-World Migration Challenges

Zoom's transition from Chrome OS app to PWA provides valuable insights into the practical challenges of migration. As documented in their migration guide, the process highlighted significant user confusion and installation friction, particularly for non-technical users on ChromeOS devices.

Strategic Recommendations for Enterprises

Immediate Actions

• Conduct a comprehensive audit of Chrome app dependencies
• Assess security implications of continued Chrome app usage
• Evaluate PWA alternatives and their limitations
• Develop a phased migration strategy

Long-term Planning

• Invest in PWA development capabilities
• Implement robust security monitoring for Chrome app usage
• Develop user training programs for new solutions
• Establish clear timelines for complete migration

Future Outlook

The deprecation of Chrome apps represents a significant shift in the enterprise browser landscape. While PWAs offer a path forward, their current limitations suggest that organizations may need to consider hybrid solutions or alternative approaches to maintain critical functionality. The success of this transition will depend on careful planning, robust security measures, and a clear understanding of the technical and user experience challenges involved.

How Kahana Addresses These Challenges

At Kahana, we understand the complexities of enterprise browser management and the challenges posed by Chrome app deprecation. Our enterprise browser solution helps organizations navigate this transition by providing:

• Advanced security controls for legacy Chrome app usage
• Seamless integration with PWA alternatives
• Robust deployment and management capabilities
• Comprehensive monitoring and compliance features

By implementing security at the browser layer and providing flexible deployment options, Kahana helps organizations maintain productivity while addressing the challenges of Chrome app deprecation.