Report: Google Merging Chrome OS Into Android to Rival iPad

Google is working on a multi-year project to fully migrate Chrome OS to Android as part of an effort to better compete with Apple's iPad, according to a new report from Android Authority citing an internal source at the company.

google chromebook lifestyle shot
The initiative would apparently see future Chromebook devices shipping with a desktop-optimized version of Android rather than Chrome OS, which would be a major shift in Google's operating system strategy. Google announced in June 2024 that Chrome OS would begin incorporating portions of Android's technical foundation, but the reported plans go much further toward a complete merger of the two platforms.

Google is already laying groundwork for the transition by developing a new version of Chrome for Android with extension support and a Terminal application for running Linux apps. The company is also working on improved keyboard, mouse, and external display support for Android, along with features like multiple desktop spaces.

The consolidation aims to create a more unified platform that can better challenge Apple's dominance in the high-end tablet market while allowing Google to more efficiently manage its development resources. Currently, neither Chrome OS nor Android has successfully competed with iPad, despite the multitasking shortcomings of iPadOS.

The report notes that the strategy could also benefit the Android ecosystem by expanding its user base and making it more attractive to developers. Meanwhile, a separate report from Android Headlines suggests Google is developing a high-end Pixel-branded laptop, which could potentially showcase the new desktop-oriented Android platform.

Google has not officially confirmed plans to phase out Chrome OS in favor of Android, and the company declined to comment on the report when contacted by Android Authority.

Tag: Google

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Top Rated Comments

Kissmo1980 Avatar
18 weeks ago
Thank you Macrumors.... I had a rough day and I needed a laugh.

Rival the iPad - Chrome...... that's the part.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
apparatchik Avatar
18 weeks ago
So, Chrome OS is relatively successful in the simple, inexpensive laptop segment where netbooks once reigned (terror), and in Education.

OTOH, Android tablets are mostly a failure for anything other than media consumption at the low-end, they are not used for productivity or creation.

And Google’s solution is to replace the successful case (the mostly lightweight Chrome OS), with the failed, Android tablet (heavier, chunky) one?

All the advantages of a light linux-based experience vs all the baggage of Android. Just as an example: a good Chromebook runs reasonably decent with 4-8 GB of RAM, while an Android tablet requires 12 GB to make anything productivity oriented / multitasking.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bustycat Avatar
18 weeks ago
Rivalling iPadOS isn't a big ambition however.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Razorpit Avatar
18 weeks ago

So, Chrome OS is relatively successful in the simple, inexpensive laptop segment where netbooks once reigned (terror), and in Education.

OTOH, Android tablets are mostly a failure for anything other than media consumption at the low-end, they are not used for productivity or creation.

And Google’s solution is to replace the successful case (the mostly lightweight Chrome OS), with the failed, Android tablet (heavier, chunky) one?

All the advantages of a light linux-based experience vs all the baggage of Android. Just as an example: a good Chromebook runs reasonably decent with 4-8 GB of RAM, while an Android tablet requires 12 GB to make anything productivity oriented / multitasking.
Let's be honest, high end iPad's are mostly for media consumption as well. I know I'll hear it from "content creators" or "influencers" who "make their living on an iPad", however creating anything on an iPad Pro is tedious at best (email, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand, etc.), and impossible for stuff like software development, Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, transcoding video such as DVD/Blu-rays etc.

Yes, there are unique situations where the iPad excels, but let's be honest, those are few and far between. That's all on Apple for putting a phone OS on a tablet. For anyone who does work, you need a Mac well over 98% of the time, if not more.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mrkevinfinnerty Avatar
18 weeks ago
Nice business for whoever buys Chrome :)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
18 weeks ago

ChromeOS is perfect for my children. I never have to do any technical support. If the laptop gets destroyed they just log into another one and all their stuff is there. It also has excellent parental controls - I can bring up an app on my phone to approve them using their respective laptops. Both of their schools use Google for Education so all their textbooks and various learning apps are easily accessible.

I paid $215 each at Target for two ASUS 14" FHD Chromebook Plus CX34 - Intel Core i3 - 8GB RAM - 128GB Storage. Nothing is stored locally. Nice keyboard, trackpad, IPS display, an integrated webcam shutter, USB-C charging - really one of our best tech purchases. Hope they don't stray too much from ChromeOS as it exists now.
I've been generally impressed with ChromeOS. My parents have a Asus Chromebox attached to a 27" monitor (great for aging eyes) with a full keyboard and mouse. They don't do anything, whatsoever, on a computer that is outside of a browser, and they don't want a smaller touchscreen device like the iPad. ChromeOS also has user accounts, unlike iPad.

It reduced my tech support from weekly to zero.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)