Google Chrome is removing support for Manifest V2 extensions in upcoming versions, which will disable workarounds that ad blockers like uBlock Origin use to bypass content filters. The change affects the core extension system and forces users to adopt newer extension standards or lose functionality.
Chromium updates force developers to rebuild tools using newer standards
The update targets Chromium 150 and version 151 of Chrome. Version 150 removes the feature flag that allowed Manifest V2 extensions to run. Version 151 will strip out additional compatibility options, including ExtensionManifestV2Unsupported, ExtensionManifestV2Availability, and AllowLegacyMV2Extensions.
Microsoft Edge disabled uBlock Origin in February by removing similar support. Opera has publicly committed to dropping Manifest V2 compatibility in its browser. Brave and Vivaldi are expected to keep supporting these older extensions for now.
The removal of the kExtensionManifestV2Disabled flag means Chrome no longer treats Manifest V2 as a default-disabled legacy format. Developers must rebuild their tools using Manifest V3 specifications to maintain functionality on the updated browser.
The move aligns with broader efforts to update browser extension standards while limiting ad-blockers that impact website monetization. Other Chromium-based browsers are aligning their policies, which narrows the options for users who rely on specific bypass techniques.
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