Aluminium OS
Upcoming operating system developed by Google
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Aluminium OS is the codename for an upcoming desktop operating system created and developed by Google and Google DeepMind for the Googlebook series of computers and Chromebooks.[1] It is a fusion between Android and ChromeOS, with it replacing the latter. It is set to release in Fall 2026.[2]
History
After some rumors, Google confirmed in July 2025 that ChromeOS will "merge" with Android under one unified platform. It was formally announced at the Snapdragon Summit in September 2025. Internally, it is known as codename Aluminium.[3][4]
The existing Linux-based ChromeOS will be replaced by a desktop-optimized Android-based operating system. The same Android software would run on desktop and mobile and be adapted for the different display sizes. Like ChromeOS, the desktop version of Aluminium will work on both ARM and x86 processors. The latter port is expected to be the first mainline maintained x86 architecture version of Android.[5][3][4][6]
The new OS was announced on May 12, 2026, during Google I/O. It will be used by Googlebooks, a line of premium laptops by third-party OEMs, and many Chromebooks will also be able to use the new operating system.[7] The company clarified that Aluminium was a codename during development and would not be the actual name, and that an actual name will be unveiled later in the year.[8]
The new OS is only intended to replace the consumer version of ChromeOS, as Google intends to continue supporting it for enterprise and education users. ChromeOS Flex will also continue to be supported.[9]
Features
The operating system will be heavily integrated with Google Gemini artificial intelligence as a core feature; one feature demonstrated is "Magic Pointer", where shaking the cursor allows the user to contextually select items on-screen to receive suggestions and create a Gemini prompt. It will support integration with Android smartphones, including a dedicated taskbar button for accessing apps mirrored from the phone, and transferring of data such as files between devices.[10][7]