Google Postpones AluminiumOS Launch to 2028, Extends ChromeOS Support Timeline
In a significant shift from earlier public statements, Google is now expected to delay the official launch of its unified AluminiumOS operating system until 2028. This revelation comes from internal documents reportedly disclosed during the company's ongoing antitrust case, contradicting previous hints about a potential 2026 release.
Discrepancy Between Public Messaging and Internal Planning
According to a detailed report by The Verge, court testimony has exposed a notable gap between Google's external communications and its actual internal roadmap. At the September 2025 Snapdragon Summit, Android chief Sameer Samat suggested the merger of Android and ChromeOS would arrive "next year." However, testimony from August 2025 clarified that Samat only stated Google "hopes" for a 2026 launch, indicating more cautious internal projections.
The actual deployment plan outlined in internal documents reveals a more gradual rollout. Trusted commercial testers are scheduled to gain initial access to AluminiumOS in late 2026, followed by a broader release for businesses, educational institutions, and general consumers in 2028.
ChromeOS Support Extended Through 2034
In a parallel development, the same documents indicate that Google will continue supporting the existing ChromeOS platform through 2034—significantly longer than previously anticipated. This extended timeline is driven by both business necessities and regulatory requirements across various jurisdictions that mandate long-term device support.
Google currently promises 10-11 years of updates for new Chromebooks, and the company emphasizes the importance of continuity. Google Vice President John Maletis highlighted that "millions and millions of students, consumers, and employees at work are heavily reliant upon what we've done with Chromebooks," justifying the extended support period.
The Evolution Toward AluminiumOS
Google first confirmed the merger of Android and ChromeOS into a single platform in July 2025. During an interview at that time, Sameer Samat explicitly stated that Google was "going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform." The platform was later renamed Aluminium OS, based on job listings describing it as "a new Aluminium, Android-based, operating system" designed for laptops, tablets, desktops, and various other devices.
The company is actively collaborating with Qualcomm on developing Arm-based PC chips specifically optimized for the AluminiumOS platform, signaling a strategic push into competitive computing hardware.
Transition Challenges and Legacy Support
Internal code already refers to the legacy platform as "ChromeOS Classic," acknowledging the impending transition. However, not all current Chromebooks will be eligible for migration to AluminiumOS due to hardware limitations, as noted in the report.
Meanwhile, devices running ChromeOS Classic will continue to receive essential security updates until their published Auto Update Expiration dates, which extend through the mid-2030s, according to an Android Authority report. This ensures ongoing protection for users during the extended transition period.
The delayed launch and extended support timelines reflect Google's careful balancing act between innovation and maintaining reliability for its vast user base, particularly in education and enterprise sectors where Chromebooks have become deeply integrated.
