Details about Google's long-rumored plan to merge its computer and mobile operating systems have emerged from an unlikely source. A now-removed job listing has provided the first public confirmation of "Aluminium OS," a new system designed to bring Android to PCs.

The job posting, first spotted by Android Authority, was for a product manager role to work on the new operating system. It described Aluminium as being "Android-based" and built with "Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the core." (Source: androidauthority.com)

The End of ChromeOS?

The listing strongly suggests that Aluminium OS, also referred to by the acronym "ALOS," is intended to eventually replace ChromeOS. The job description included creating a strategy to "transit Google from ChromeOS to Aluminium," pointing to a clear, long-term plan to phase out the current browser-based system.

However, the transition will not be immediate. The role also involved managing a portfolio of both ChromeOS and Aluminium OS devices, indicating that the two systems will coexist for a period before the new platform fully takes over. There's also no guarantee "Aluminium" will be the public name of the system as it may simply be an internal development codename.

An AI-Powered Desktop Future

Google's move appears to be a direct effort to create a more powerful and versatile desktop experience than what ChromeOS currently offers. The company may believe combining the existing Android ecosystem with AI could help it compete more directly with Windows and MacOS.

The new OS is planned for a wide array of devices, including laptops, tablets, and desktop "boxes," and will target everything from entry-level to premium hardware. This suggest Google wants to expand beyond budget-friendly market typically associated with Chromebooks. (Source: androidcentral.com)

Operating System Market Share Worldwide

When we step back and take a look at the bigger picture, things start to make sense. According to StatCounter, the global operating system landscape has shifted dramatically from 2009 to 2025. While Microsoft Windows once dominated the market with well over 80 percent share for all devices, its usage has steadily declined and now sits near the mid 20 percent range.

In contrast, Android (which runs primarily on smartphones and tablets) has surged over the past decade and has held the top position worldwide for several years, consistently maintaining roughly 40 percent of all OS activity. Apple iOS and MacOS have both grown gradually, though at a much smaller scale, while Linux and ChromeOS remain niche platforms. Overall, mobile driven operating systems now command the majority of worldwide usage, reflecting a long term shift away from traditional desktop computing. (Source: statcounter.com)

Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide

When isolating desktop specific usage, the picture changes entirely. Windows continues to dominate the desktop market even in 2025, though its share has steadily eroded from the near total control it held in 2009. MacOS maintains a distant second place with stable, gradual growth, while Linux continues to hold only a small single digit percentage.

In contrast, ChromeOS appears only marginally on desktop and shows no meaningful rise in global share. Despite Windows losing ground worldwide when mobile is included, it remains the clear leader on desktop systems, and no competing platform has come close to disrupting that position. (Source: statcounter.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Do you think an Android-based operating system can succeed on desktop computers which are primarily running Windows operating systems? What features from Android would you most like to see on a laptop? Will Google's focus on AI be enough to challenge its competitors?