Last month, it became apparent that Microsoft was readying its new Chromium Edge browser for Apple Mac systems. Now that port of the all-new preview seems to be good to go. Microsoft watcher WalkingCat reports Chromium Edge can now be downloaded by Mac users. Furthermore, the browser will also arrive on Linux soon.
This is the Canary branch of the preview. If you are unfamiliar with how Microsoft is previewing Edge, it runs under three branches, Beta, Developer, and Canary. Beta is the most stable channel but has yet to be opened. Canary is the least stable channel where bleeding edge changes are made through daily updates.
As Mac users only appear to be getting Canary releases, there are some things to consider. Firstly, these builds are likely to be unstable, should not be used as your daily browser experience. In fact, we would say these releases are only for those particularly enthused about Chromium Edge.
Interestingly, and as I touched upon last month, this release is noteworthy. Mac users are receiving Chromium Edge before the browser comes to either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. That’s no big deal really, and it makes sense for Microsoft to serve current platforms before tackling legacy ones, even if they are its own.
https://mobile.twitter.com/h0x0d/status/1125577891826192386
Linux
Either way, the company has already confirmed Edge will come to those older Windows systems. In terms of Linux support, Edge is likely to arrive on the open source OS soon. Of course, that may have been part of the reason Microsoft switched to the open source Chromium web-rendering system in the first place.
Neowin reports a Microsoft session titled “Moving the web forward with Microsoft Edge” discussed the importance of Edge being available on other platforms. It mostly centered on Mac, with Microsoft arguing many developers are on Apple’s OS. Not providing a browser for them makes them instantly inaccessible.
However, the same could be said for Linux. Many people develop on open source too. It seems likely Microsoft Edge will arrive on the platform eventually.
For the latest news on Chromium Edge, check out our Microsoft Build 2019 coverage. At the event, the company discussed numerous upcoming features for the browser, including Collections and new privacy tools.
