Google is planning to merge Android and ChromeOS into a single platform, according to Sameer Samat, the company’s President of Android Ecosystem. The revelation came during a recent interview with TechRadar‘s Lance Ulanoff, where Samat discussed the future of Android — and Google’s broader software ambitions.
Samat’s comments mark the first on-the-record confirmation from a senior Google executive that Android and ChromeOS are being combined. “We’re going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform,” Samat said, explaining that he’s deeply interested in how people use their laptops today — particularly in mixed-device ecosystems like Apple’s.
Rumours of such a merger first surfaced last year, but this is the clearest sign yet that Google is moving forward with a unified OS strategy. The move mirrors Apple’s ongoing efforts to blur the lines between macOS and iOS. Having one OS stretch uniformly across devices better reflects the reality of modern computing, where users expect seamless experiences across phones, tablets, laptops, and more.
With Android 16 now rolling out, the groundwork is already being laid. Unveiled at Google I/O 2025, Android 16 introduces the biggest design overhaul in years, with a focus on personalization, fluid animations, and adaptive UI scaling across screen sizes — the latter being key to building a cohesive platform. Android 16 also introduces improvements that allow non-Pixel devices to receive the latest Android updates much earlier than before.
Samat also highlighted Gemini as a critical advantage for Android, noting its seamless integration across devices. On the other side, Apple is still playing catch-up with its Siri revamp and new Apple Intelligence features. In a particularly telling moment, Samat demoed how Gemini can help users summarize YouTube videos, break down search results, and even assist in everyday decision-making — all on-device, in real time. “I think you see the future first on Android,” he said.
Finally, Samat touched on Google’s XR ambitions, which include devices like Samsung’s Project Moohan. He teased a new wave of Android XR-powered smart glasses and headsets that marry AI and fashion, learning from past missteps like Google Glass.
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