Google is developing a new operating system called Aluminium OS, which aims to merge Android with desktop computing to take on Windows and macOS — with artificial intelligence at its core.
According to a Google job listing, Aluminium OS is “Android-based” and explicitly designed for laptops, tablets, mini-PCs, and other form factors. The role seeks someone to help “transition Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium,” suggesting a long-term shift in Google’s desktop strategy.
One of the most striking aspects of Aluminium OS is its heavy AI integration. Google wants Gemini LLM models, its virtual assistant, and other AI tools deeply embedded into the system. This would allow for smarter system-level features and more intelligent app behavior.
Unlike ChromeOS, which has mostly been used in low-cost devices, Aluminium OS is reportedly being built for multiple hardware tiers: “AL Entry,” “AL Mass Premium,” and “AL Premium.” This means Google is not just targeting budget laptops but premium PCs too.
The project also suggests a transition plan: ChromeOS and Aluminium OS will coexist for some time before Aluminium fully replaces the old system. Google may even continue shipping “classic” Chromebooks while introducing new hardware built specifically for Aluminium OS.
According to reporting, the first public release could come in 2026, potentially based on Android 17. Early development is already underway on devices using Intel Alder Lake chips and MediaTek Kompanio 520.
If successful, Aluminium OS could reshape Google’s role in the desktop market by offering a unified, AI-powered environment that bridges mobile and PC — potentially making Android a true competitor in the high-end PC space.