Aluminium OS : Google prepares the launch of its new OS for PC, an ambitious alternative to Android

While the personal computer operating systems market experiences relative stability dominated by Windows and macOS, Google is preparing to disrupt this balance with Aluminium OS, its brand new operating system aimed at PCs. Based on Android but deeply reimagined for the desktop environment, Aluminium OS embodies a major ambition: to offer an innovative alternative to Android on personal computers, fully integrating artificial intelligence and adapting to modern uses of hybrid and ultraportable machines. This project, publicly announced through internal documents and job offers, could signal a new era for Google products, uniting the Android and Chrome OS ecosystems into a single smooth and powerful platform as early as 2026.

More than just a successor to Chrome OS, Aluminium OS aims to establish itself as a system originally designed for keyboard, mouse, and large screens, integrating Gemini technology, Google’s proprietary artificial intelligence, at the core of its operation. This fusion between technological innovation and new user possibilities positions Aluminium OS as a strategic project for Google, which seeks to regain ground against its traditional competitors in the PC segment, while making the best use of its Android expertise. The rise of artificial intelligence in the operating system also announces a qualitative leap in terms of productivity and user experience.

Aluminium OS: an Android operating system rethought for the personal computer

Aluminium OS represents a significant advance in how Google views its Android ecosystem. Originally, Android was designed for smartphones and tablets, but Aluminium OS marks a major turning point by integrating this foundation into a system intended exclusively for modern personal computers. The project does not merely port Android to a larger screen; it fundamentally rethinks the user interface and interactions to perfectly fit classic PC peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, and touch screen.

This thorough adaptation offers a native desktop interface, not just an extended mode or emulation. Aluminium OS includes advanced window management, improved multitasking, and a classic desktop familiar both to Windows and macOS users, while maintaining Android’s characteristic lightness. According to initial information communicated by Google in its job offers, the system is fully based on Android 16 during its tests in 2025, with a planned migration to Android 17 at the time of its commercial launch in 2026.

Here are the main innovations and highlights of Aluminium OS in its PC version:

• A true desktop architecture with resizable windows, taskbar, and context menus adapted to the PC.
• Optimization for traditional input devices, as opposed to an extended mobile interface.
• Native integration of Gemini, the artificial intelligence acting as a system assistant and improving user efficiency.
• Multi-architecture compatibility, including 12th generation Intel and MediaTek Kompanio, for great hardware flexibility.

Aspect	Description	Expected Benefits
User Interface	New desktop interface redesigned for keyboard, mouse, and large screens	More productive and familiar experience for PC users
AI Integrations (Gemini)	System assistant endowed with artificial intelligence to anticipate and automate	Increased productivity, intelligent management of windows and tasks
Hardware compatibility	Support for MediaTek and latest generation Intel chips	Optimized performance and wide device choice

Thus, Aluminium OS announces a revolution in the Android experience on computers, oriented more towards professional and multitasking use. This innovation marks a decisive step in Google’s strategy to unify its systems and renew its approach to the PC.

The commercial strategy of Aluminium OS: a catalog for all PC market segments

To ensure maximum impact, Google has designed Aluminium OS to cover a full range of segments in the personal computer market. The company plans to offer the system in three main product categories, each tailored to well-defined user profiles, ranging from students to demanding professionals and premium users:

• AL Entry Segment: These machines replace traditional Chromebooks, intended for students and businesses with light needs. The focus is on accessibility and ease of use.
• Mass Premium Segment: This segment targets intermediate users looking for increased performance without too high a price. Devices are positioned between €649 and €999, offering a balance of power and accessibility for the general public.
• Premium Segment: Designed to compete directly with high-end Windows and macOS computers, this segment introduces high-end machines with advanced technical features such as aluminum or magnesium cases, 120 Hz OLED screens, and up to 32 GB RAM.

This commercial segmentation demonstrates Google’s desire to be present wherever personal computers dominate, whether they are laptops, convertibles, or mini-PCs. The launch of products under Aluminium OS thus promises strong diversification of offerings, enabling it to reach a broader customer base and establish itself in a highly competitive PC market.

Segment	Characteristics	Estimated Price	Target Users
AL Entry	Simple, lightweight, entry-level laptops	€200-500	Students, light businesses
Mass Premium	More powerful machines, good performance	€649-999	Demanding general public
Premium	High-end computers, advanced components	€1000 and above	Professionals, content creators

The integration of Aluminium OS into these segments comes with a desire to attract both manufacturers, by offering a modern, modular platform especially suited to their needs, while maintaining a unified ecosystem across all machines. This approach should encourage the emergence of innovative models in the line of ultrabooks and 2-in-1 PCs.

Aluminium OS, between innovation and artificial intelligence: the central role of Gemini

At the heart of the Aluminium OS project lies Gemini, the artificial intelligence system that Google deeply integrates into its new OS. This integration marks a turning point in user interaction, with an AI designed not only to assist but also to anticipate needs, simplify complex actions, and fundamentally change the way users work and communicate with their computer.

Gemini goes beyond classic voice assistants by offering intelligent control over several system aspects:

• Adaptive window management: Gemini automatically organizes open windows based on ongoing tasks, thus optimizing workspace.
• Automation of complex processes: Thanks to contextual understanding, it helps automate repetitive or tedious tasks, such as file sorting or event scheduling.
• Anticipation of user actions: By analyzing habits, Gemini proactively suggests shortcuts or relevant tips.
• Integrated conversational interface: It acts as a facilitator between traditional commands and natural keyboard or voice interaction.

Gemini Function	Description	Impact on Use
Window Organization	Automatic rearrangement based on work context	Time saving and increased efficiency
Automation	Repetitive tasks handled by AI	Reduced mental load and errors
Anticipation	Relevant suggestions based on habits	Smoother and more personalized experience
Conversational Interface	Natural interaction for navigation and commands	Improved accessibility and comfort of use

This artificial intelligence at the system’s core reflects an unprecedented innovative approach in the PC market. It thus redefines interaction by combining Android’s power and desktop flexibility for a richer and more personalized user experience.

Testing and development: wide hardware compatibility for Aluminium OS

For rapid and effective adoption, Google has multiplied Aluminium OS tests on various processor architectures, demonstrating a clear willingness to ensure maximum compatibility with current and future hardware. This approach is fundamental to competing against Windows and macOS systems, which benefit from a broad supported hardware range.

Aluminium OS testing devices notably include:

• Development boards equipped with the latest MediaTek Kompanio chips, known for energy efficiency and performance in portable devices.
• 12th generation Intel architectures, widespread in high-end and mid-range personal computers.
• Multiprocessor tests to ensure smooth operation on different machines, ranging from mini-PCs to premium laptops.

Platform	Processor Type	Advantages	Intended Use
Development Boards	MediaTek Kompanio	Energy efficiency, tablet/PC performance	Hybrid and portable devices
High-end PCs	Intel 12th generation	High performance, wide compatibility	Laptops and desktops

This broad hardware compatibility approach allows Google to ensure that its new OS can be integrated into diverse configurations, thus strengthening its appeal for manufacturers whether they seek to produce entry-level, mid-range, or premium products under Aluminium OS.

The delicate transition between Chrome OS and Aluminium OS: challenges and timeline

The announcement of Aluminium OS legitimately raises questions about Chrome OS’s future, a system widely installed on several million Chromebooks worldwide. Google plans a gradual transition to ensure continuity for users and manufacturers, while laying the foundation for a new unified ecosystem based on Aluminium OS.

Key measures planned for this transition include:

• Maintaining updates for current Chromebooks for several years to guarantee extended support and avoid a sudden break.
• A major Aluminium OS update aiming to make certain recent devices compatible with this new system, thus giving these machines a second life.
• A progressive schedule to end updates for the oldest incompatible models, respecting usual end-of-life software practices.

Deadline	Action	User Impact
2026 to 2028	Continuous support for Chrome OS	No immediate loss of functionality or security
2027	Possible migration to Aluminium OS on compatible machines	Performance improvements and new features
After 2028	Progressive end of support for old Chrome OS	Transition to Aluminium OS or hardware change

This controlled transition is essential to reassure users and partners, while preparing the ground for smooth and lasting adoption of Aluminium OS in the PC segment. Google is indeed betting on a harmonized ecosystem where Android, tablets, and computers will run under the same innovative OS, centered on consistent technology and user experience.

The potential impact of Aluminium OS on the personal computer market in 2026

By launching Aluminium OS, Google is poised to provoke a series of upheavals in the IT industry. This new OS, blending Android’s mobile experience and the power of an optimized desktop system, could well reshuffle the cards against Windows and macOS, the historical market leaders.

Here is an overview of the anticipated significant changes:

• Redefinition of competition: Aluminium OS introduces a coherent new alternative, particularly targeted for hybrid and portable devices, a fast-growing segment.
• Technological innovation: With Gemini and deep AI integration, computers running Aluminium OS could exceed expectations in productivity.
• Impact on manufacturers: The modularity and flexibility of the new system could encourage more partners to adopt Google as their primary software provider.

Key Factors	Market Effects	Consequences for Users
New platform	More options for consumers, increased dynamism	Greater choice, better innovation/price ratio
Integrated artificial intelligence	Leadership in AI adoption on OS	Enhanced productivity and user experience
Diversified hardware support	Acceleration of competition	Hardware offers suitable for all budgets

If Aluminium OS succeeds in its bet, it could sustainably reshape the PC landscape. The year 2026 will undoubtedly be when Google’s innovation and ambition face market realities and user expectations.

Technical and strategic challenges awaiting Aluminium OS

Designing a new operating system is a complex endeavor, even more so when merging two very different universes like Android and the traditional PC. Aluminium OS must overcome several major challenges to realize its potential.

The main identified obstacles are:

• Interface adaptation: Creating an efficient and intuitive interface that satisfies both Android fans and demanding PC users.
• Software compatibility: Ensuring Android applications run perfectly in a desktop environment while emerging native Aluminium OS applications are developed.
• Ecosystem support: Convincing manufacturers, developers, and users to adopt this new OS in an already saturated market.
• Updates & security: Managing a smooth transition from Chrome OS while guaranteeing maximum security against contemporary threats.

Challenge	Measure	Goal
User Interface	Targeted desktop design with constant user feedback	Maximum comfort and ergonomics
App Compatibility	Android optimization for desktop apps and extended catalog	Coherent and rich user experience
Ecosystem	Partnerships with manufacturers and developers	Rapid and sustainable adoption
Security	Secure updates and advanced permissions management	Optimal protection of user data

Overcoming these challenges will be critical for Aluminium OS to establish itself as the new reference OS on personal computers, competing with established standards and bringing a renewed vision to manufacturers and consumers alike.

The device formats targeted by Aluminium OS and their diversity

To maximize its influence, Google is developing Aluminium OS to be perfectly adaptable to a wide range of hardware formats, meeting the varied needs of modern users:

• Classic laptops: Traditional machines with fixed keyboards, ideal for office and multimedia use.
• Detachable 2-in-1 devices: A hybrid design combining tablet and PC, intended for mobile users seeking versatility.
• Professional tablets: Powerful tablets benefiting from a full Aluminium OS system for complex tasks.
• Desktop mini-PCs: The return of Chromeboxes under Aluminium OS, for compact configurations in offices or remote offices.

Device Type	Key Features	Target Usage
Laptops	Integrated keyboard, powerful, versatile	General and professional use
Detachable 2-in-1	Tablet and convertible PC, touchscreen	Mobility and creativity
Professional tablets	Robust, full Aluminium OS system	Specialized work on the go
Mini-PC	Compact, office, remote use	Professional and domestic solutions

This diversity of formats confirms Google’s desire to offer Aluminium OS not only as a classic PC OS but also as a platform adaptable to future evolutions of digital uses. This flexibility will be an essential asset to stand out in an ever-changing market.

A new unified Google ecosystem around Aluminium OS

With Aluminium OS, Google is experimenting with a true unification of its ecosystem. The new OS is intended to serve as a bridge between mobile, tablet, and PC experiences, offering a common, homogeneous, and coherent platform. This approach offers several major advantages:

• A universal operating system: The user benefits from a smooth and synchronized experience across all devices.
• Shared applications and services: Simplified access to Google and third-party applications, optimized for multi-screen use.
• Centralized updates and security: Simplified system maintenance through a single channel for all Android devices, tablets, and PCs.
• Continuity and increased productivity: Collaborative features between devices, easy data sharing, and activity resumption.

Key Point	Benefit	User Impact
Universal system	Uniform experience on phones, tablets, PCs	Less complexity, faster learning
Shared applications	Access to the same apps and data	Enhanced productivity and smooth continuity
Security	Regular and centralized updates	Increased protection of personal data
Cross-device collaboration	Real-time collaborative functions	Seamless work across devices

This new software coherence proves Google’s innovative vision, for whom Aluminium OS is not just an OS but a mature platform, the pivot of its medium-term technological offering.