Aluminium OS
| Aluminium OS | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Google Google DeepMind (AI core) |
| OS family | Android |
| Source model | Open-source |
| Initial release | Late 2026 |
| Marketing target | Personal computers (Tablets, Laptops, Desktops) |
| Package manager | APK-based |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| Preceded by | ChromeOS |
Aluminium OS[1] (also known as the desktop PC version of Android) is an upcoming desktop operating system created and developed by Google and Google DeepMind for the Googlebook series of computers and Chromebooks as well as for OEM computers.[2] It is a fusion between Android and ChromeOS, with it replacing the latter.[3] It is similar to Microsoft's Windows, Apple's macOS and Google's own mobile version of Android. It is set to be released in late 2026.[4] [5]
History
[edit ]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.[6] [7]
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.[8] [6] [7] [9]
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.[4] 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.[1]
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.[10]
A beta GSI build[11] of the OS, based on Android 17 and compiled for ARM64 devices, was leaked on May 12 and was hosted by MysticGSI on Telegram, where it is still available to download (shared via YouTube). The build string is CL2B.260330.037.
Features
[edit ]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.[12] [4]
See also
[edit ]References
[edit ]- 1 2 Kuscher, Alex (May 12, 2026). "Introducing Googlebook, designed for Gemini Intelligence". blog.google. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Samsung reportedly prepares Galaxy Book laptops running Android with One UI 9 skin".
- ↑ Pippig, Laura. "Leak shows Google's new Aluminium OS in action for the first time". PCWorld. FoundryCo, Inc. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Li, Abner (May 12, 2026). "Google announces Googlebooks with Gemini Intelligence focus, coming this fall". 9to5Google. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
- ↑ Li, Abner (May 17, 2026). "Aluminium OS Is Still Coming This Year – Hint". Aluminium-OS. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
- 1 2 Fingas, Roger (December 12, 2025). "Google is bringing Android to PCs with Aluminium - here's what we know so far". Pocket-lint. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- 1 2 Hacks, Gadget (November 24, 2025). "Google Reveals 'Aluminium OS': Android-ChromeOS Merger". Gadget Hacks. Archived from the original on December 1, 2025. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ↑ Benedetto, Antonio G. Di (July 15, 2025). "Our biggest questions about ChromeOS and Android merging". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 19, 2025. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
- ↑ bio, See full. "You Got Your Phone OS in My Laptop! Here's How Android and ChromeOS Will Merge". CNET. Archived from the original on January 3, 2026. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ↑ "Our continued commitment to Chromebooks, and looking ahead". Google Cloud Blog. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ↑ Shane Craig (May 12, 2026). Google's Desktop OS Leaks Hours Before I/O Event . Retrieved June 5, 2026 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Whitwam, Ryan (May 12, 2026). "Google's Android-powered laptops are called Googlebooks, and they're coming this year". Ars Technica. Retrieved May 12, 2026.