Google announces new changes to ChromeOS release cycle

When it comes to web browsers, Chrome is the go-to choice of millions of users across the globe. Google has improved Chrome by a ton over the last decade, providing users with speed, stability, and security with frequent updates. On account of an improved internal testing and rollout measure, it turned out to be obvious to Google that it should get Chrome’s update frequency going.

Back in March, Google reported that Chrome was moving to a four-week release cycle for quicker feature rollouts. The organization today itemized plans for Chrome OS updates and what the forthcoming timetable resembles. 

Google will begin releasing significant Chrome OS updates once every four weeks, starting with version 96 in the final quarter of 2021, explicitly late November/early December. Desktop, Android, and iOS will be the first to receive the updates, likely by September, followed by ChromeOS at the end of the year. To bridge this gap, ChromeOS will skip version 95.

“To deliver new features more rapidly to consumers while also continuing to prioritize the key pillars of Chrome OS – security, stability, speed, and simplicity – Chrome OS will move to a four-week stable channel starting with M96 in Q4.”

Enterprises and education users can opt to enroll in an Extended Stable option for Chromebooks, which will update every 6 months. This will help ensure stability for large fleets of Chromebooks that are managed by administrators. Devices will likely just receive smaller security updates rather than new features. Google plans to finalize plans by Chrome OS 96, and more details will be announced soon. 

In cataloging these changes, Google emphasizes how moving from major updates every six weeks to four will take into consideration more highlights. Throughout the long term, the organization acknowledged how it could shorten release cycles to get updates out faster.