Google says Aluminium OS is still planned for 2026
Google says Aluminium OS is still on track for a 2026 release, based on comments made by Sameer Samat (Google’s Android Ecosystem President) during MWC 2026. Speaking to Android Authority, Samat pointed to a launch window later this year, saying, “Yes, I’m super excited about later this year.”
The interview suggests Google still sees room for a new laptop platform built around Android, AI features, and a larger-screen workflow. Samat said AI is pushing more attention back to laptops, which offer a keyboard, bigger display, and better multitasking for productivity tasks. That lines up with Google’s wider push to make Android work across more device categories.
Aluminium OS not to replace Chrome OS
Google appears to be building Aluminium OS around better cross-device workflows, with Android 17 already showing signs of Handoff-style features and related APIs. The goal is to let users move app activity between devices more easily and close some of the gap with Apple’s cross-device features.
“Chrome OS has done really well. Its management capability is second to none. Development for Chrome OS will absolutely continue as is”
— Sameer Samat, Google’s Android Ecosystem President
At the same time, Google is not preparing to shut down Chrome OS. Samat told Android Authority that Chrome OS development will continue, with education, enterprise management, and browser-first deployments still serving a clear role. That suggests Aluminium OS is not a direct replacement, at least not in the near term.
The current picture is that Google may end up with two laptop software tracks instead of one. Chrome OS would remain focused on managed and browser-led use cases, while Aluminium OS could target consumer laptops with Android apps, AI tools, and tighter phone integration.
Source: Android Authority
