Google Chrome’s Arrival on Arm-powered Linux Devices in 2022

Why Arm + Linux: The Growing Demand

The recent announcement by Google about Arm + Linux integration has sparked curiosity among tech enthusiasts. Google mentions that this move caters to the increasing demand for a browsing experience that merges the advantages of the open-source Chromium project with Google’s ecosystem of apps and features. However, the real question lingering on everyone’s mind is whether this demand is existing or yet to come.

The Rise of Linux

Linux has been gaining momentum steadily. Some editors at Verge have already started transitioning from Windows to Linux on their x86 desktops, each with varying degrees of success. Nevertheless, when it comes to consumer-facing Linux on Arm chips, the scenario is quite different. Apart from the Linux-based Android phones in the market, there isn’t a significant presence of Linux on Arm chips. Even though brands like Dell, Lenovo, and Framework offer Linux on laptops, they predominantly use x86 chips. For non-consumers, Chromium is already a viable option.

Arm Processors and Linux Adoption

Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Mediatek, the key players in building Arm processors, are contemplating a shift towards Linux to compete with the established Windows/Intel/AMD trio. Qualcomm expressed its interest in exploring other operating systems beyond Windows for its PC-grade Arm chips earlier this year. Nvidia is on the verge of unveiling its N1 and N1X processors designed for Arm laptops at the upcoming GTC 2026 developer conference.

The Future of Arm Laptops with Linux

Although Nvidia laptops may initially launch with Windows, there is a high possibility of them eventually targeting Linux after resolving compatibility issues with essential software like Chrome. Google’s blog post even mentions Nvidia’s DGX Spark as a potential platform for Chrome, indicating a collaborative effort to streamline the installation process on these high-performance Arm-based desktops. Google plans to integrate Chrome into Nvidia’s package manager, simplifying the installation process for users. For others, Chrome will be available for download from chrome.com in the second quarter.