Google Aluminium OS leaked: Android-based alternative to Windows and macOS

Android might soon become an alternative to Windows 11 and macOS (Image source: Dell / 9to5Google, edited)

Android is reportedly set to replace Chrome OS in the future in order to compete with Windows 11 and macOS on desktops and laptops. Google has now accidentally provided a glimpse of the user interface of its upcoming operating system, which is internally called Aluminium OS.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 01/28/2026 🇩🇪

Google’s Chromium Issue Tracker revealed new details about Google’s Aluminium OS before public access to this section of the website was blocked. 9to5Google was able to save and then publish the details and videos in time. According to the report, these clips come from an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook running “ALOS,” which refers to Aluminium OS, Google’s internal codename for the desktop version of Android.

This version of the operating system is based on Android 16, as indicated by the information in Google Chrome. Compared with the desktop mode of Android 16, Aluminium OS sports a range of optimizations for large displays, including a taller taskbar and a revised menu bar that provides information on battery charge level, WiFi connectivity, and ongoing background activities such as screen recording.

Google Chrome differs from the Android desktop version and has an extensions button next to the address bar. Window management is similar to Chrome OS, with buttons to minimize, maximize, and close a window located in the upper right corner, while the app name appears in the upper left.

Windows can be freely placed on the screen, resized or arranged in a full-screen layout. It is not yet known when Aluminium OS will launch, but the fact that Google is already internally testing a functional version based on Android 16 suggests that the release is drawing closer. The new OS is expected to replace Chrome OS on Chromebooks. Whether Google’s upcoming software can gain additional market share from Apple and Microsoft users remains to be seen.

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9to5Google

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19757 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6201 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 01 > Google Aluminium OS leaked: Android-based alternative to Windows and macOS

Hannes Brecher, 2026-01-28 (Update: 2026-01-28)

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