Googlebook vs. Chromebook: Why I'm hopeful that both laptop brands can coexist

Tech Home Tech Computing Laptops Googlebook vs. Chromebook: Why I'm hopeful that both laptop brands can coexist Google is going all-in on it's new product line while assuring users Chromebooks aren't being phased out. 1608345669637

Written by Cesar Cadenas, Staff WriterStaff Writer May 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT

Chromebook vs. Googlebook — Kerry Wan/ZDNET and Google

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ZDNET's key takeaways

Google announced the Googlebook, a new premium laptop line.
Chromebooks will continue to receive support.
Chromebooks focus on affordability, while Googlebooks aim for a premium experience.

During a recent briefing ahead of its I/O developer conference, Google revealed the Googlebook, a new category of laptops that combines ChromeOS OS and Android into a single operating system.

The advent of this original system raises an important question: Are Chromebooks going away? According to Google, the answer is a resounding "No". In a virtual roundtable, Alexander Kuscher, Google's tablet and laptop lead, clarified "Chromebooks are not dead" -- at least for now.

Why Chromebooks will continue

Even if Google wanted to end support for Chromebook tomorrow, it realistically couldn't, as they're embedded across multiple consumer sectors. Bryan Lee, VP of ChromeOS Enterprise Go-to-Market, told ZDNET that "Chromebooks have become an invaluable tool for educational institutions, businesses, and consumers... We absolutely intend to continue investing in those experiences and supporting those users."

Plus, Chromebook have a 15-year head start over Googlebooks. It'll likely take years for the latter to reach a similar level of adoption.

Also: The best Chromebooks for students in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The other key factor is intent. Chromebooks are primarily designed for everyday users. Googlebooks, on the other hand, are more premium devices, aimed at pros and power users -- particularly with Android smartphones. In fact, one of the Googlebook's defining features is a merged OS, enabling seamless access to their Android smartphone on the laptop with no download required.

Lenovo Chromebook Plus — Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

And finally, there is Google's long-term commitment to ChromeOS. The company has pledged to continue supporting and updating Chromebooks through 2034 so they're not disappearing anytime soon. Still, that raises another question: What happens after 2034? Will Google eventually phase out Chromebooks and ChromeOS in favor of Googlebooks and its operating system? Maybe.

The future of Chromebooks

Google, as a company, has never been shy about discontinuing products and services in favor of newer initiatives. Just look at the Google Graveyard; there are 300 entries as of this writing.

Remember: the Googlebook is touted as a "premium" machine. Down the line, it's possible that Google could introduce a new line of midrange Googlebooks that directly overlap with the Chromebook market. Not seeing any point in keeping two affordable lines, it may one day pull the plug on Chromebooks, but the Googlebook market would need to be well-established at that point.

Also: Windows rivals to MacBook Neo are here - but I'm more excited for Google's response

As of now, nothing has been confirmed. We're still eight years away from the currently stated end-of-support date for ChromeOS. Lee also told ZDNET that more Chromebooks are currently in development, and the company is restocking BackMarket with ChromeOS Flex USB drives.

For those who don't know, these are flash drives preloaded with ChromeOS Flex. They allow users to install Google's lightweight operating system onto older laptops. BackMarket highlights them as a way to breathe new life into aging Windows 10 PCs (or even older MacBooks).