Your Chromebook probably won't get Google's new Aluminium OS. Here's why that's a problem.

The minimum requirements are processors newer than 2021, such as MediaTek Kompanio or Intel Alder Lake chips, paired with at least 8GB of RAM. This is a significant jump from the low-power Celeron chips and 4GB of RAM found in countless devices used in education and enterprise sectors.

Google's ambitious plan to merge ChromeOS and Android into a new 'Aluminium OS' will leave most current Chromebook owners behind. As reported by Gadget Hacks, a Google VP confirmed the new AI-driven system, launching in 2026, has hardware requirements that exclude the majority of devices currently in use, especially in schools and businesses across the UAE.

Why your Chromebook is likely incompatible

The core issue is that Aluminium OS is not just a simple update. It's a new operating system built from the ground up for artificial intelligence, demanding modern processors, graphics, and Neural Processing Units (NPUs). The thing is, most Chromebooks were sold on the promise of efficiency, not power.

Welcome to legacy mode: ChromeOS Classic

For those with unsupported hardware, Google is offering 'ChromeOS Classic'. This is industry speak for a legacy mode. Your device will continue to get security patches and minor bug fixes, but it will be frozen in time, missing out on all the AI features that define Google's future.

What they don't mention is that this effectively creates a two-tier system. New buyers get an intelligent, evolving OS, while existing users are left with a basic web browser. This split is a major problem for institutions that bought fleets of devices expecting a consistent experience. It also ignores the general rise of AI PCs, leaving a large part of Google's user base behind.

A strategy that contradicts its promise

This decision exposes a fundamental contradiction in Google's strategy. Chromebooks became popular, particularly in the UAE's education sector, because they were low-cost, easy to manage, and had long lifecycles. This move shatters that value proposition by forcing expensive hardware refresh cycles years ahead of schedule.

Google set out to solve ecosystem fragmentation but has created a new division based on hardware. The irony is that many institutions chose Chromebooks to escape the very upgrade pressures and compatibility issues common with Windows. With Google's plan to kill ChromeOS now clearer, it seems those pressures have just returned under a new name.

Aluminium OS hardware requirements

Google has not released a definitive list of compatible devices for its 2026 launch. However, the confirmed minimum specifications provide a clear guideline for users to check if their current Chromebook stands a chance.

Processor: MediaTek Kompanio, Intel Alder Lake, or newer (post-2021).
RAM: A minimum of 8GB is required.
Incompatible: Devices with 4GB of RAM or older low-power ARM/Intel Celeron processors are almost certainly excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google Aluminium OS?

Google Aluminium OS is a new operating system launching in 2026. It is designed to merge ChromeOS and Android, with artificial intelligence integrated at its core to power a more advanced computing experience.

Will my current Chromebook be compatible with Aluminium OS?

Probably not. The new OS requires a processor from 2021 or later and at least 8GB of RAM. Most existing Chromebooks, especially those with 4GB of RAM or older Intel Celeron chips, will not be compatible with the upgrade.

What happens if my Chromebook isn't compatible with Aluminium OS?

Your device will continue to run 'ChromeOS Classic'. It will receive long-term security updates and minor fixes but will not get any of the new AI features or advanced app integrations found in Aluminium OS.

When is Google Aluminium OS launching?

Google has confirmed that Aluminium OS will launch sometime in 2026. A more specific date has not yet been announced, but this gives users a timeline to consider whether they need to upgrade their hardware.