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Google is preparing to phase out ChromeOS updates by mid-2034. This will end the operating system that has powered Chromebooks since 2011. Googlebooks are currently available for pre-order and are scheduled to launch on October 4. Google says current Chromebooks will continue receiving ChromeOS updates according to their existing Auto Update policy. Google has not yet published a list of eligible Chromebook models or provided details about how the transition will work. The mid-2034 date marks the end of ChromeOS updates under Google’s current roadmap. Google says the first wave of core management capabilities for Googlebooks will begin rolling out in the second half of 2027.
Devices will therefore remain supported until the end of their individual support lifecycles rather than all losing updates at the same time. Chromebooks have a 10-year support lifecycle. The company has now officially confirmed that many newer Chromebooks will be eligible to transition to Googlebook OS, the Android-based operating system introduced alongside its new Googlebook laptops. Google says ChromeOS devices will continue to receive updates through their supported lifetime. The company also confirmed that existing ChromeOS Enterprise Upgrade and ChromeOS Education Upgrade licences will remain active for current devices and retain their existing management capabilities. Google says Googlebook OS brings together ChromeOS and the Android technology stack.
In a support document for schools and businesses, Google said “many of our newest Chromebook devices will be eligible to transition over to Googlebook OS,” although it has not yet revealed which models will qualify or exactly how the migration will work. Google also says Chromebooks will continue receiving updates throughout their existing supported lifetimes, meaning the 2034 timeline does not mean current devices will stop working immediately. For devices whose support period extends beyond 2034, Google says many will have a direct migration path to Googlebook OS. “Google is committed to supporting your transition to Googlebook OS, with many devices offering direct migration paths,” the company said. The company says the new operating system is designed to offer native app support, cross-device capabilities and Gemini-powered productivity features while retaining the security and management features associated with Chromebooks. The new platform will also continue supporting web apps. Google said: “We are committed to our web developer ecosystem. The company says Chrome Education and Enterprise Upgrade licences are separate from Googlebook OS, meaning organisations moving to the new platform will use new licensing arrangements. Googlebook OS is built around a closer relationship between Android and Google’s desktop computing experience. The company says it will support and optimise Android apps as part of the new platform. However, Google has also said it will continue supporting web apps and provide APIs for developers.
we still believe in the value that web apps bring to organisations, and we will continue to support the manageability of web apps for IT admins and a robust set of APIs for web developers.” While Googlebook devices are initially aimed at consumers, schools and businesses will have to wait for the commercial management features While we will support and optimise Android apps as we build this experience. This means the move away from ChromeOS will not end Google’s support for browser-based applications in education and enterprise environments. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.
The date had previously appeared in court records, but Google’s latest support documentation makes the company’s plans official. This does not mean businesses and schools need to replace their existing Chromebook fleets immediately. This means organisations using ChromeOS today will have time to plan for the eventual transition. Google has not yet announced pricing or licensing terms for Googlebook OS.