But after the Pixelbook Go in 2019, Google quietly stepped away from the category. Many thought the Pixelbook brand was dead. Yet in 2025, there’s renewed hope and for the first time in years, it finally makes sense for a Pixelbook to return.
Why Google Held Back
The absence of a Pixelbook wasn’t about lack of demand. Instead, it was strategy. Google didn’t want to dominate its hardware partners, and with Chromebooks already stable and mature, there wasn’t a pressing need for a Google-made flagship device.
A Tensor-powered Pixelbook back then would have raised eyebrows. Was Google trying to compete directly with partners like Acer, ASUS, and HP? That tension kept the Pixelbook shelved.
The Game Changer: ChromeOS Meets Android
Now, the landscape has shifted. ChromeOS is undergoing a fundamental transformation: moving over to the Android kernel. This behind-the-scenes change will affect how Chromebooks run, how they integrate with Android apps, and how they evolve in the next decade.
This transition is big enough that Google needs a flagship device to showcase the future of ChromeOS. And who better to lead that charge than a brand-new Pixelbook?
The Probability of a Merged OS Pixelbook
So, could the next Pixelbook ship with this new unified OS from day one? Here’s the breakdown:
High Probability (70–80%) → Google loves using its hardware to debut new software. Just like the first Pixel phone showed off Google Assistant, a new Pixelbook could showcase the merged Android-ChromeOS experience.
Medium Probability (50–60%) → If the OS isn’t ready for mass rollout, the Pixelbook might launch with traditional ChromeOS first, then upgrade later via software update.
Low Probability (20–30%) → It’s unlikely Google would ship another Pixelbook without making it a clear future-ready platform, so skipping the merged OS entirely doesn’t make sense.
In short: all signs point to a new Pixelbook being the first Chromebook that truly blurs the line between Android and ChromeOS.
Why This Matters
The Pixelbook wouldn’t just be another premium Chromebook it would be a proof of concept for where Google sees laptops heading. With Android and ChromeOS working from the same foundation, users could get:
Better app compatibility (no more clunky Android app issues).
Improved performance from tighter system integration.
A more unified Google ecosystem, where your Chromebook feels as native as your Pixel phone.
Final Thoughts
The Pixelbook brand has always been about inspiration, not domination. And as ChromeOS takes its boldest step yet merging with Android’s foundation the stage is set for a comeback.
If Google does unveil a new Pixelbook, don’t expect it to just be a pretty laptop. Expect it to be the lighthouse device that defines the next generation of Chromebooks.