Google is developing a new operating system, called Aluminium OS, with the aim of unifying the Android experience across laptops, tablets and desktops. The initiative, which was revealed through a job opening published by the company, represents a strategic step to expand its ecosystem beyond mobile devices and compete directly with consolidated platforms such as Windows and macOS. The project’s pillar is the deep integration of artificial intelligence, using the Gemini model to improve productivity and task automation.
The new platform, also referred to by the acronym ALOS, seeks to combine the best features of ChromeOS with the versatility of Android. The unification strategy was confirmed by executives such as Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of Dispositivos and Serviços, who highlighted the importance of optimizing development resources and creating a cohesive user experience across different types of hardware. The official launch of the first devices equipped with the Aluminium OS is expected to take place in 2026, with initial tests being carried out on reference hardware using processors from Intel and MediaTek.
The transition from ChromeOS to the new system will be gradual, ensuring that business and education users will not experience any disruptions to their workflows. The company plans to maintain the initial coexistence of the two platforms, ensuring that current Chromebooks devices continue to receive security updates until the end of their life cycle. Essa careful approach aims to facilitate the migration and adoption of the Aluminium OS by the market.
The origin and objectives of the project
The first details about the Aluminium OS emerged from a job opening for the position of senior product manager, which described the need for a professional to lead the development of Android laptops and tablets. The document explicitly mentioned the creation of a “new operating system built with Inteligência Artificial at the core”, confirming the company’s ambitions to redefine its presence in the personal computer market. The initiative resumes internal discussions that have been taking place for more than a decade about the feasibility of bringing the Android ecosystem to the desktop format.
The team assigned to the project will be responsible for managing the transition from ChromeOS to Aluminium OS. The main objective is to consolidate development efforts, which are currently fragmented between the two systems, and create a single, robust platform. In July 2025, Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem, had already confirmed the merger plans, signaling a significant change in the company’s software strategy for large-screen devices.
Artificial intelligence as a central pillar
The big difference of Aluminium OS will be its architecture centered on artificial intelligence. The operating system will feature native integration of the Gemini model, enabling the automation of a wide range of tasks, from advanced text editing and file organization to predictive management of system resources. The proposal is for AI to optimize hardware performance and proactively personalize the user experience, without the need for constant manual intervention.
This integration aims to improve productivity and offer a fluid transition between different devices, allowing a user to start a task on a smartphone and continue it on a laptop without any interruption. AI will also be responsible for centralizing searches and notifications, grouping alerts by context and relevance to minimize distractions and optimize the user’s focus during work or study.
AI capabilities already present in recent Android updates, such as support for resizable windows and improved multitasking modes on tablets, will serve as the foundation for the Aluminium OS desktop experience. The platform will offer native support for all applications available on the Play Store, facilitating adaptation by developers and expanding the catalog of software available for computers.
Market strategy and device portfolio
Google plans to launch a diverse range of devices powered by the Aluminium OS, covering all price segments from entry-level models to premium high-performance equipment. The market strategy was divided into clear categories to cater to different consumer profiles. The “AL Entry” line will be focused on basic devices, aimed mainly at the educational sector and casual use, competing directly with the low-cost Chromebooks.
For the mid-range market, the company is preparing the “AL Mass Premium” category, which will seek to offer a balance between price and performance, challenging laptops with Windows and other productivity devices. Já the “AL
The approach aims to not only compete in the laptop segment, but also strengthen Google’s presence in the tablet market, where the iPad still dominates. The hardware portfolio will include varied formats, such as traditional laptops, convertible “detachable” devices, tablets and even mini-PCs, known as “boxes”. Parcerias strategies with the main hardware manufacturers will be essential to ensure wide distribution and adoption of the platform from 2026 onwards.
This market segmentation reflects the company’s intention to consolidate its efforts and present a clear value proposition for each type of user. By unifying the ecosystem, Google hopes to attract both developers, who will have a single platform on which to build apps, and consumers, who will benefit from a seamless, intelligent experience across all their devices.
Strategic collaboration with Qualcomm
The partnership with Qualcomm is one of the pillars for the success of the Aluminium OS. The chipmaker is providing processors optimized for the new platform, with emphasis on the Snapdragon X line, which already integrates advanced support for the Android system in PC architectures. The official announcement of the collaboration took place during Snapdragon Summit in September 2025, where Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, and Rick Osterloh, of Google, detailed plans for the convergence between the mobile and desktop worlds. The partnership accelerates development and ensures that the first devices launched in 2026 will deliver robust and efficient performance, especially when performing artificial intelligence-based tasks, leveraging Google’s AI technology stack.
Release plans and ongoing support
The official schedule foresees the launch of the first devices with Aluminium OS in 2026, starting with the premium categories to demonstrate the full potential of the platform. Migration will not be mandatory for all existing Chromebooks; however, Google has assured that all current models will continue to receive critical security updates until the end of their scheduled support cycle. Essa measure aims to protect the investments of corporate and educational customers, ensuring a smooth and disruption-free transition. Platform unification will also simplify the process for developers to adapt their Android applications for larger screens, expanding the software ecosystem available for desktops and laptops.
Planned transition from ChromeOS
The transition from ChromeOS to Aluminium OS will be executed strategically to avoid any negative impact on current users, especially in the business and education sector, where Chromebooks has an established base. Google will maintain a “classic version” of ChromeOS, which will continue to receive security and maintenance updates as the new platform is gradually rolled out. Essa coexistence will allow organizations to plan migration according to their own needs and timelines, without forcing an abrupt change. The company is focused on ensuring that essential workflows are fully supported on the Aluminium OS from day one, facilitating adoption and minimizing the learning curve for users.