Due to existing demand? Or due to future possibilities?
You can download Chrome for Linux and Chrome for Arm devices, but if you’re using Linux on an Arm machine, you haven’t had that option. Google plans to release Chrome for ARM64 Linux devices in Q2 2026, following releases on Arm Macs in 2020 and Windows on Arm in 2024.
The reason for Arm + Linux now? Google’s blog post states it addresses the growing need for a browsing experience that integrates the open-source Chromium project with the Google ecosystem, but it’s unclear if the demand is already present or anticipated.
Linux is experiencing growing popularity. Some Verge editors have begun moving away from Windows with mixed results. These are mostly x86 desktops, as consumer Arm-based Linux devices are limited, apart from Android phones. Companies like Dell, Lenovo, and Framework offer Linux on x86 laptops. (For non-consumers, Chromium is already available.)
Chip makers like Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Mediatek might turn to Linux in their efforts to compete with Windows/Intel/AMD. Qualcomm mentioned growing interest in operating systems beyond Windows for its Arm chips. Nvidia may soon announce its N1 and N1X processors for Arm laptops at its GTC 2026 developer conference.
Although Nvidia’s laptops may initially ship with Windows, they could also support Linux if foundational software like Chrome is available. Google’s blog post specifically mentions targeting Nvidia’s DGX Spark for Chrome—high-performance micro AI desktops running Linux on Arm. Google plans to include Chrome in Nvidia’s package manager for simpler installation, while other users can download it from chrome.com/download when available in Q2.