Google is working on combining Android and ChromeOS into a single operating system. This is according to Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, during an interview with TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff.

For years, Android and ChromeOS, the operating system found on Chromebooks, have shared some similarities in design and Play Store access, but have remained distinct platforms. Now, Google wants to bring both platforms together. “We’re going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform,” Samat said, when asked why the interviewer was using an iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac. He followed that comment with a more personal insight, adding, “I am very interested in how people are using their laptops these days and what they’re getting done.”

A long-rumored merger is finally happening

This isn’t a completely new idea. Talk of Google blending Android and ChromeOS goes as far back as 2015. Over the years, there have been hints, leaks, and speculation. Android Authority reported signs of this shift as far back as November 2024.

Android will be the foundation for the new OS

In a follow-up post on X, Samat clarified that “we're building the ChromeOS experience on top of Android’s underlying technology to unlock new levels of performance, iterate faster, and make your laptop and phone work better together.”

This confirms that Android will be the technical foundation of the unified system, with ChromeOS layered on top. The intent is to enhance performance and give Google more flexibility in updating features across platforms.

A closer Apple-like ecosystem

The strategy mirrors Apple’s tightly integrated approach across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Apple users enjoy continuity features like Universal Clipboard, AirDrop, and Handoff. Google could be looking to create something similar, enabling users to start a task on their phone and pick it up on their Chromebook or vice versa.

A single platform means Google could standardize features across mobile and desktop, simplifying how apps behave and how users interact with content across screens. Whether this means Android apps will run natively on laptops or that ChromeOS will start behaving more like a phone interface isn’t yet clear. 

However, Google’s interested in creating a unified experience for users, and that could translate into a more cohesive ecosystem. Right now, Google hasn’t shared rollout plans or product timelines.

The TechRadar interview majorly focused on Android 16 and how it’s becoming more customizable, with deeper integration of Gemini AI across features.

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