Chrome is finally coming to ARM64 Linux — here’s what you need to know

Google has announced something that Linux and ARM enthusiasts have been waiting for: an official version of Google Chrome for ARM64 Linux devices. In a recent post on the Chromium blog, the company confirmed that Chrome will launch for ARM64 Linux in the second quarter of 2026. This marks the first time Google will provide a native Chrome build specifically for ARM-based Linux systems. For many developers and Linux users, this is an important step forward. Until now, people running Linux on ARM hardware often had to rely on Chromium, the open-source version of Chrome, or unofficial builds. While those alternatives worked reasonably well, they didn’t always include the same features, stability, or official support as the full Chrome browser. The timing of this move reflects a bigger shift happening in the tech industry. ARM processors are becoming increasingly powerful and are no longer limited to smartphones or small embedded devices. They are now appearing in laptops, developer machines, servers, and AI systems. One of the main reasons for this growth is their efficiency: ARM chips tend to deliver strong performance while using less power compared to traditional desktop processors. Linux has long been a popular operating system for ARM devices, and the number of ARM-based Linux systems has been steadily growing. From developer boards and mini PCs to new ARM-powered laptops, more users are choosing this combination for development, experimentation, and everyday computing. However, the absence of an official Chrome build has remained a noticeable gap in the ecosystem.

By introducing Chrome for ARM64 Linux, Google is helping close that gap. The upcoming version will offer the same experience users expect from Chrome on other platforms. This includes support for Google account syncing, access to extensions through the Chrome Web Store, built-in developer tools, and regular security updates. Another advantage is performance. Because the browser will run natively on ARM64 hardware, it should perform better than solutions that rely on compatibility layers or unofficial ports. Native support generally leads to smoother performance, improved stability, and better battery efficiency on portable devices. For developers, this change is particularly useful. Many developers use ARM-based systems for testing and building applications, especially with the growing popularity of ARM in cloud infrastructure and edge computing. Having Chrome available natively allows developers to test websites and web applications in the same browser used by billions of users worldwide. This announcement also follows Google’s earlier efforts to support ARM on other platforms. Chrome was optimized for Apple’s ARM-based Macs when Apple introduced its M-series chips, and support for Windows on ARM devices has also expanded in recent years. Adding Linux ARM64 support is a logical next step as ARM continues to gain importance across different computing environments. According to Google, Chrome for ARM64 Linux devices will begin rolling out in the second quarter of 2026. Users will likely be able to install it through standard Linux package repositories or download it directly from the Chrome website.

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