Google confirms ChromeOS phase out in 2034 — 10-year support lifetime cut short for some devices, company says it will support transition to Googlebook OS

Google has confirmed that it will be phasing out ChromeOS updates in mid-2034, ending the 10-year support lifetime for some devices. This has raised questions about what will happen to the well-known Chromebooks, particularly for students. The company explained that many newer Chromebook devices will be eligible to transition to a new platform called Googlebook OS. However, Google did not list specific models or describe the upgrade process.

For enterprise and educational customers, Google is committed to supporting the transition to Googlebook OS, with direct migration paths available for many devices. Googlebooks will support the same 10-year update and security patch system as Chromebooks, starting from the launch of the CPU inside the system. Management capabilities for Googlebooks will be introduced in the second half of 2027, signaling that it may take some time before the first enterprise Googlebooks are available.

It's important to note that Chrome Education and Enterprise upgrade licenses are different from Googlebooks. If IT administrators update Chromebooks to Googlebook OS or purchase new machines, they will need to obtain new licenses. Google has not yet announced the terms for these new licenses.

Googlebook OS appears to be more similar to Android than Chrome OS. While Google has committed to supporting web developers, even with Android apps, the company is still awaiting the opportunity to test a device running Googlebook OS. The new platform is now available for pre-order and will launch on October 4.