Key facts
- Google plans to phase out ChromeOS by 2034.
- Newer Chromebooks may be upgraded to a new "Googlebooks OS."
- Googlebooks are expected to launch at higher prices than Chromebooks, starting at $899.
- Chromebooks are widely used in schools and businesses.
- Googlebooks may lack comparable management tools for at least a year after launch.
Google appears to be signaling the end of its ChromeOS operating system, with plans to phase it out by 2034. According to a support page, the company intends to upgrade newer Chromebooks to a new platform, tentatively called "Googlebooks OS." While specific timelines and eligible models are not yet detailed, Google suggests that many devices will undergo a "direct migration."
The transition raises concerns for sectors like education and business, which have benefited from the low cost and manageability of Chromebooks. The new "Googlebooks" are anticipated to be premium products, with initial models starting at $899, a price point significantly higher than current Chromebooks. Furthermore, "Googlebooks" may not offer comparable management tools for at least a year post-launch, potentially creating a gap for institutional users.
Despite public statements from Google representatives indicating the continued existence of Chromebooks, the guidance on the support page suggests a limited future for the platform. This move could impact Google's Chromebook business if organizations become hesitant to invest in a system with a known end-of-life.