- Google confirms the launch of Aluminium OS for the end of 2026, dispelling rumors of a delay.
- Leaks show a desktop interface with taskbar, windows, and support for Chrome extensions.
- The operating system will coexist with ChromeOS, which will continue to focus on education and businesses.
- Integration with Gemini AI and interoperability with Android devices will be its pillars.
Google is moving forward with its plan to bring Android to the desktop. The project Aluminium OS, which had been rumored for months, has received Official confirmation from Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystemDuring the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the executive confirmed that the launch is planned for the end of 2026, contradicting rumors that suggested a possible delay until 2028 due to the search antitrust case.
The news comes amid several leaks that have surfaced in recent weeks. A 16-minute video shared on Telegram and picked up by Android Authority shows the system running on a laptop, while an entry on the Chromium tracker has revealed screenshots of a version running on an HP Elite Dragonfly. Everything points to Google already having a very defined direction for this platform, which combines the Android base with a complete desktop interface.
This is Aluminium OS: interface, applications and compatibility
According to the leaked material, Aluminium OS boots with the Android logo and displays an initial setup process very similar to that of a mobile phone, but adapted for a large screen. The interface includes bottom taskbar, application drawer, desktop icons, and a Google search barIn the settings, the device is identified with Android 17This suggests that the system is based on a recent version of the mobile operating system.
The Chrome browser, for its part, presents itself as a full desktop version, with support for extensions and tabs. This is key, because Many users consider the PC to be, first and foremost, a browserAdditionally, a feature called "Link to iOS" has been detected that aims to improve integration with Apple devices, although it is unclear whether it will make it to the final version.
Artificial intelligence as a driver of change
Sameer Samat explained that the rise of artificial intelligence has revived interest in laptops. AI tools require keyboards, large screens, and multitasking., something that Aluminum OS with AI It is designed to offer this. The system will natively integrate Gemini Intelligence, allowing you to run contextual assistants and automations without the need for external applications.
Another key element will be interoperability. Google wants to replicate the seamless communication between an iPhone and a Mac. The "Handoff" feature, already seen in the Android 17 betas, will allow you to start a task on your mobile device and finish it on your laptop.creating a cohesive ecosystem that captivates the user.
What about ChromeOS? It will coexist, but with a different approach.
One of the big questions was whether Aluminium OS would end up replacing ChromeOS. Samat was emphatic: ChromeOS isn't going awayThe current system will continue to receive support and development, focused on the educational and business sectors, where its management capacity is unsurpassed. The future of ChromeOS And the arrival of Aluminium OS will position them as the commercial spearhead for the consumer market, competing directly with MacBook and Surface.
The first devices with Aluminium OS will arrive under the Googlebook brand in the third quarter of 2026, with prices ranging from $1.299 to $1.799. Manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, and Dell are already testing compatible hardware, including Intel Alder Lake processors and ARM chips from Qualcomm and MediaTek.
The transition will be gradual. Current Chromebooks will continue to receive security updates until their end of life, which is typically 5 to 7 years. Google anticipates both systems will coexist during 2026 and 2027, with ChromeOS being phased out in new releases starting in 2028. There is no date for a total blackout, but the roadmap is clear..
In short, Aluminium OS represents Google's most serious attempt to unify Android and the desktop. Leaks and official statements agree that the project is real, well underway, and will arrive this year. The combination of a polished desktop interface, integrated artificial intelligence, and an emulation-free Android app ecosystem It could be a game-changer in the laptop market. We'll have to wait for the first Googlebooks to see if the system lives up to expectations.
