Intel Prepares Processors for Upcoming Android PCs

Intel is reportedly gearing up its processors to support Android-based laptops following Google's announcement to launch such devices in 2026. This development comes on the heels of Intel's release of an update for the NPU driver for Linux, which pertains to its Core Ultra processors, including 'Meteor Lake', 'Arrow Lake', and 'Lunar Lake'. These updates are believed to enhance compatibility with the anticipated Android PCs from Google.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) discovered these changes and suggested that they hint at support for Google's Android PC initiative. At a recent Qualcomm event, Google confirmed its plans to introduce Android-based notebooks starting in 2026.

In an effort to unify its operating systems, Google aims to merge ChromeOS and Android into a single platform. While Android will serve as the technical foundation, the user interface is expected to closely resemble that of ChromeOS. The new operating system will focus on artificial intelligence and seamless integration with other Android ecosystem products, generating excitement among users, according to Android's leadership.

Initially, it was speculated that these Android PCs might exclusively utilize ARM processors, given Google's announcements at Qualcomm. However, the recent modifications to Intel's NPU drivers indicate that the new operating system will also support x86 processors.

Google appears committed to maintaining a diverse range of processor architectures for its Android PCs, similar to the offerings available for ChromeOS. Chromebooks currently utilize both ARM chips from Qualcomm and Mediatek, as well as x86 processors from Intel and AMD. Although not officially confirmed, the updates from Intel suggest a broader compatibility for the new Android devices.

The potential success of Google's Android PCs as a viable alternative to Windows or macOS remains uncertain. If Google's strategy permits only the installation of applications from the Play Store, the platform could resemble Windows 10 in S mode, which has not seen significant success and was primarily aimed at educational settings. Nevertheless, indications suggest that Google is working on support for Linux applications, which could enhance the versatility of the Android PC platform.