Google isn’t exactly known for secrecy anymore. Unlike Apple, the company frequently reveals features early, allows products to leak, and even publishes official teasers ahead of major launches. Pixel devices, in particular, are often shown off well before press events, making it clear that Google prefers to guide the narrative rather than fight speculation. For most fans, excitement now comes from following Google’s roadmap rather than waiting for surprises.
There are still exceptions — especially when billions of dollars and the future of computing are involved. One of Google’s most ambitious and closely watched projects is its plan to merge Android and ChromeOS into a single operating system built for PCs. The move has the potential to reshape Chromebooks, redefine Android’s role beyond phones, and place Google in more direct competition with Apple, Microsoft, and the iPad.
ChromeOS, despite its success in education and enterprise environments, has never managed to break into the mainstream laptop market. While Chromebooks are affordable, they have long been criticized for limited offline functionality and a lack of flexibility compared to Windows and macOS. Even after gaining the ability to run Android apps, ChromeOS remained a niche platform, struggling to compete with more powerful and versatile alternatives. Over time, it became increasingly clear that Google’s enthusiasm for ChromeOS as a standalone operating system was fading.
Rumors about a unification of Android and ChromeOS began circulating about a year ago. Google confirmed the plan in July 2025 during a conversation with TechRadar and later made it official at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit in September. At the event, Google announced a partnership with Qualcomm to develop a platform that blends mobile and desktop computing, with artificial intelligence at its core. Google’s Senior VP of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh, made the company’s intentions unmistakable, stating that the two companies were "building together a common technical foundation for our products on PCs and desktop computing systems."
Further insight emerged when a now-removed Google job listing, discovered by Android Authority, revealed the internal codename “Aluminium.” The company was hiring a “Senior Product Manager, Android, Laptop and Tablets,” pointing to a unified vision across form factors. The British spelling of Aluminium is likely a nod to Chromium, the open-source project that underpins ChromeOS and the Chrome browser. Internally, the platform is sometimes abbreviated as “ALOS.”
The listing referenced a wide range of devices — including laptops, tablets, detachables, and even set-top boxes — across multiple tiers, from entry-level products to premium hardware. This suggests Google wants to move beyond the budget-focused Chromebook image and position its next operating system across a much broader spectrum of devices. While premium Chromebooks already exist, they’ve never gained significant traction, something Google appears determined to change.
Notably, the job description also mentioned transitioning “from ChromeOS to Aluminium with business continuity in the future.” This implies that ChromeOS may eventually be phased out, but not abruptly. Google seems aware that many schools and businesses rely on large Chromebook deployments and will need long-term support rather than a forced migration.
What remains unclear is how this transition will affect current Chromebook owners. The name “Aluminium” is almost certainly temporary, and Google is unlikely to ship the final product under that label. According to Android Authority, engineers have reportedly begun referring to existing software as “ChromeOS Classic” or “non-Aluminium ChromeOS.” This could mean the ChromeOS brand survives, though its underlying technology may change dramatically. Another possibility is branding the platform as “Android Desktop,” though that risks confusion with Android 16’s Desktop Mode.
There is some indication that certain existing Chromebooks may be able to upgrade. Aluminium is reportedly being tested on relatively modest hardware, including MediaTek Kompanio 520 chips and 12th-generation Intel Alder Lake processors. That said, devices would still need to meet specific RAM and storage requirements.
Artificial intelligence could ultimately be the deciding factor. Google has confirmed that Gemini will play a central role in Aluminium, and older processors may struggle to support its full capabilities. While Google has previously brought limited AI features to older hardware like Nest speakers, advanced on-device AI processing — particularly tasks involving local files or graphics rendering — may require newer chips designed specifically for AI acceleration.
Beyond hardware compatibility, a larger question looms: how serious is Google about competing in the PC market? Android is already far more widespread than ChromeOS, but convincing users that it can replace a Windows or macOS computer will be a major challenge. Google has historically struggled to get developers to build high-quality tablet apps for Android, let alone desktop-class software that rivals professional Windows applications. Users expecting to run demanding programs or high-end games may find the platform limiting, at least initially.
Some reports suggest that Google’s true target isn’t Windows or macOS, but Apple’s iPad. The iPad dominates more than half of the global tablet market, according to Statcounter, and Apple has steadily pushed its tablets closer to laptop territory. The iPad Air and Pro now use the same M-series chips found in MacBooks, while iPadOS 26 introduces more advanced multitasking and window management.
Crucially, iPads already have a mature ecosystem of high-quality apps, making them a staple in schools and businesses — the very markets Chromebooks once dominated. If Google can deliver an Android-based platform that matches the iPad’s capabilities while undercutting Apple on price, it could finally achieve the mainstream breakthrough it has long pursued.
As for timing, Google has officially set a 2026 launch window. While an early reveal is possible, the significance of the project suggests it will debut at a major event, such as Google I/O in May or a high-profile Pixel launch later in the year. The software is almost certain to align with Android 17, which is expected to enter beta by May and reach completion by fall. If schedules hold, the first Android-powered PCs could arrive in time for the 2026 holiday season, though delays could push hardware launches into 2027
