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Google’s Aluminium OS Slips to 2028 as Court Filings Set ChromeOS Phase-Out for 2034

New antitrust filings lay out a tester-first launch with limited compatibility under exemptions to self-preferencing rules.

Overview

  • Google’s court documents describe a “fastest path” that gives Aluminium to commercial trusted testers in late 2026 before a broad release targeted for 2028.
  • The filings state ChromeOS must be maintained through at least 2033 to meet 10‑year update promises, with a formal phase‑out timeline set for 2034.
  • Google acknowledges many existing Chromebooks will not be compatible with Aluminium, though a migration path is planned for numerous newer devices.
  • Judge Amit Mehta’s final judgment excludes ChromeOS and any successor from certain self‑preferencing bans, citing Chrome as a necessary component of such devices.
  • Reporting based on the filings indicates Aluminium may grant Chrome and the Play Store special system privileges, and separate coverage notes a proposed Epic v. Google settlement could leave Aluminium outside some Play Store remedies, which remains unconfirmed.