Nov 25, 2025 15:52:00

Google is replacing ChromeOS with a new Android-based PC OS called Aluminum OS

by

Buggy Droid

Android is used in a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, watches, TVs, and cars, but it has had little presence in the traditional PC market. Google has been trying to compete with Windows and macOS, but ChromeOS still has a large market share gap. To close this gap, the company is reportedly developing a desktop platform codenamed 'Aluminium OS' that integrates ChromeOS and Android.

Google's new 'Aluminum OS' project brings Android to PC
https://www.androidauthority.com/aluminium-os-android-for-pcs-3619092/

It was reported that Google was planning to unify Android as a PC OS to compete with the iPad and use development resources efficiently. Google executives subsequently confirmed the unification plan, and the launch of Android in the PC market was officially announced at the Snapdragon Summit in September. Google will work with Qualcomm to build a new platform that will combine mobile and desktop devices by leveraging advances in AI.

Google and Qualcomm reveal plans to release Android for PC in 2026 - GIGAZINE

According to Android Authority, a news outlet covering Android-related topics, a Google job listing has been posted for a 'Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptops and Tablets.' The listing states that the person will be working on a 'new Android-based OS called 'Aluminium,'' which is confirmed to be the project's codename. Google Authority points out that the name, like Chromium, ends in '-ium,' a metal, and the British English spelling emphasizes the 'A,' which stands for Android and AI, paying homage to the project's roots.

Like Android XR, Aluminum OS is built with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core, suggesting deep integration with Gemini, Google's AI chatbot. According to the job listing, Aluminum OS will drive a roadmap for devices of all shapes and sizes, including laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs. Google Authority also reported that the product lineup will include Chromebook and Chromebook Plus, as well as 'AL Entry,' 'AL Mass Premium,' and 'AL Premium' models, suggesting that Google is competing not only in the low-price segment but also in the high-end market.

by Jurii

Regarding ChromeOS, the job posting states that the company will 'promote both ChromeOS and Aluminum OS platforms and devices,' so it is likely that the two will coexist for the time being. However, in the future, the company will be required to develop a strategy for migrating from ChromeOS to Aluminum OS while maintaining business continuity, and it is expected that ChromeOS will eventually be completely replaced by Aluminum OS. Existing ChromeOS devices are expected to continue to be supported for the rest of their lifespan, but some hardware may no longer be eligible for updates.

As for the name, due to the high brand recognition of ChromeOS, it is possible that the name 'ChromeOS' will remain even if the internals are Android. On the other hand, engineers have pointed out that the current Chrome OS will be called 'ChromeOS Classic' and the new one will simply be called 'ChromeOS' or that the name 'Android Desktop' will be used.

by Yuri Samoilov

Development of Aluminum OS is underway and is expected to be released in 2026. Google Authority speculated that given the schedule, it is likely to be based on Android 17, which is scheduled for 2026.