Subtle signs of a major shift in Google’s operating system strategy have surfaced online, pointing to a possible replacement for ChromeOS. Alleged images and a short video clip suggest the company is working on a new operating system called Aluminium OS, which could mark a significant change for Chromebooks and beyond.
According to a technology publication, Google is planning to move away from ChromeOS, the software that currently powers Chromebooks. The report claims that official images of Aluminium OS were briefly visible inside a Google bug report before being removed. These visuals reportedly showed parts of the user interface, including the status bar and split-screen view, running on an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5-inch Chromebook. Although the images were taken down quickly, a short video clip was shared publicly before their removal.
Based on the leaked material, Aluminium OS is expected to merge features from both ChromeOS and Android into a single operating system. The interface appears to blend elements from Android 16 and the current ChromeOS design. The taskbar and start screen resemble Android’s desktop mode, pointing to a more consistent experience across devices. The video also offered a glimpse of apps that could be available on the new platform.
Another key detail from the leak is the prominent placement of Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, which appears at the top of the pre-installed apps list. This suggests Gemini may play an important role in Aluminium OS. Unlike ChromeOS, which is largely focused on Chromebooks, the new operating system is likely to support a wider range of devices, including tablets and smartwatches from Google and its partners.
The leaked video also highlighted a change in how app updates work. In one example, the Chrome browser updated quickly without needing to close or restart, unlike the current update process on ChromeOS.
For now, Google has not confirmed a launch timeline for Aluminium OS. The company has also not shared details on how or when ChromeOS might be phased out.
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