It’s been a while since we’ve talked about Linux apps support in Chrome OS. A few Chromebooks already support Linux apps via Project Crostini, but only in the Dev Channel. Earlier, it was speculated that the Linux app support on Chrome OS will hit the stable channel with Chrome OS 68. But that didn’t happen. The feature is now being expected to come along with Chrome OS 69. Now latest around it is that the Chrome OS 69 Beta Channel will support Linux apps via Project Crostini. And guess what? The Beta version of Chrome OS 69 is slated for August 2 release, which is tomorrow.
Linux app support on Chrome OS
Google is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to make Chrome OS more adoptable by users. Some of the recent constructive developments in Chrome OS include the Adobe Project Rush, and the ability install Debian Linux apps directly from Chromebook’s Files app. Also, Google is working on eSIM support on Chromebooks, along with some more value-adding features.
While Linux app support on Chrome OS is not a new talk at all, it isn’t full-fledged either. Google Pixelbook and Samsung Chromebook Plus currently support Linux apps in the Dev Channel via Project Crostini. Project Crostini is now expected to hit the stable version with Chrome OS 69, which is slated for release on or around September 11. And before that, it should hit the Beta Channel tomorrow.
The release dates, however, aren’t set in stone and things can still change. Any bugs, or other internal issues could impact the release date. So, we’ll have to wait for an official announcement on the Chrome Release blog.
Also, one shouldn’t be expecting to see all of the yet unsupported features of Crostini to be available in the Beta Channel. But the new version will, for sure, bring some added stability as bugs found in the Dev Channel are squashed.
