For years, those who used Linux on devices with an ARM processorFrom a simple Raspberry Pi to workstations and servers, users have had to resort to workarounds to use their usual browser. The norm was to settle for Chromium, use other browsers, or set up emulation systems that consumed more resources than necessary. That era has an expiration date: Google has confirmed the arrival of native Chrome for ARM64 on Linux. in the coming months
The move closes a gap that had attracted considerable attention, especially in Europe, where the use of ARM mini PCs, Raspberry Pi-type boards, and servers based on this architecture continues to grow. While macOS and Windows on ARM had already been around for some time... Chrome optimized for your chipsThe Linux desktop remained marginalized despite ARM's strong presence in development environments, cloud computing, and affordable hardware projects.
What exactly is Google going to launch?
Google announced which will publish a Official version of Chrome for Linux ARM64 devices in the second quarter of 2026, that is, between April and June. This edition joins those already available for macOS on Apple Silicon (since 2020) and for Windows on ARM (since 2024), thus completing native support for the browser on the main platforms with Arm chips.
The new Chrome for Linux ARM64 will arrive as official binaries in DEB and RPM formatFollowing the same model as in x86_64. From its launch, users will be able to go directly to chrome.com/downloadThe website itself will detect that it is a Linux system on ARM64 to offer the appropriate package, without needing to search for strange versions or compile anything by hand.
Meanwhile, Google has announced that the browser will maintain the same complete experience than on other platforms: support for extensions, integration with Google Pay, password management, synchronization with the Google account, advanced security features and all the new Chrome features that are being incorporated into the stable branch in its publication cycle every two weeks.
Why Chromium wasn't enough on Linux ARM
Until now, the closest alternative to Chrome in this architecture was Chromium compiled for ARM64It's available on distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi OS, and derivatives. While it can suffice for basic use, the differences with the official Chrome browser are significant, especially in professional and development environments.
- Limited codecs and DRM: Chromium builds on ARM often come without proprietary codecs like H.264 or without the same level of support for Widevine, which complicates the playback of DRM-protected video and reduces compatibility with some streaming platforms.
- Trimmed synchronization: in many cases, Native synchronization with a Google account cannot be usedThis is critical for those who want to have bookmarks, history, passwords, and open tabs unified across their mobile, laptop, and desktop computers.
- Less controlled updates: New versions depend on each distro's package manager or community maintenance, which introduces different timings and policies than the official stable branch of Chrome.
- Incomplete integration with Google services: functions such as Google PayCertain safe browsing protections or AI integrations (such as those based on Gemini) may not be available or may arrive with a delay.
That's why the arrival of a Chrome native and directly supported by Google Linux ARM64 goes far beyond a simple different compilation: it unifies the experience with that of the rest of the platforms and aligns it with what many users already have on their x86 machines.
How to install Chrome on ARM64 Linux
Google has explained that the new version of its browser will be accessible through its official download pageJust as with the other architectures, when a user visits chrome.com/download from an ARM64 system running Linux, the site will offer the appropriate package, whether in DEB (Debian, Ubuntu and derivatives) or RPM (Fedora, RHEL, openSUSE and similar).
On certain specific devices, the installation will be even more straightforward. Google has confirmed an agreement with NVIDIA so that Chrome can be installed from your system's package manager DGX OS, based on Ubuntu and present in workstations such as the NVIDIA DGX Spark, geared towards artificial intelligence workloads. On these devices, the browser can be added from the official NVIDIA catalog, without needing to download anything manually.
In the case of other common environments such as Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5 With 64-bit systems, ARM minicomputers, laptops with Snapdragon chips, or Ampere-based servers, it is expected that Chrome will be obtained from the Google website or, eventually, through repositories that directly add the official Chrome source, as already happens in x86_64.
What does it offer compared to current ARM solutions?
Linux ARM users were not completely neglected: browsers such as Firefox Chromium itself has been available for this architecture for some time. However, Official Chrome adds a set of features which until now could not be fully utilized on these devices.
- Full synchronization with your Google account: Bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences are replicated between the Linux ARM desktop, Android mobile, a Windows laptop, or a Mac, without resorting to intermediate tricks.
- Chrome Web Store extensions and ecosystem: The ability to use the same set of extensions as on other platforms, including content blockers, productivity tools, and enterprise utilities.
- DRM and video services: With standard Chrome support, streaming platforms with strict DRM requirements should function similarly to how they do on x86, avoiding complicated manual configurations.
- Performance and stability improvements: when it comes to binaries compiled specifically for ARM64The browser will be able to take advantage of modern architecture instructions, with shorter loading times and less energy consumption on laptops.
On modest devices such as some development boards or mini PCs, the difference between running a browser adapted to the architecture and relying on emulation or unofficial builds can be quite noticeable, especially when many tabs are open or heavy web applications are used.
Chrome ARM64 in projects with Raspberry Pi and mini PCs
The official release of Chrome for Linux ARM64 represents a significant change for home users and makers working with Raspberry Pi and other ARM mini-computersUntil now, the real option was Chromium or Firefox, which work reasonably well, but don't fully replicate the Chrome desktop experience.
With the new version, devices like a Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5 with 64-bit operating system They will be able to run the Google browser with all its features, provided the system meets the ARM64 requirements. This opens the door to using these boards as complete small desktops, web kiosks, access terminals, or light workstations in classrooms and offices, with the advantage of having the same browsing environment as on other computers.
Where Raspberry Pi is relatively common in educational projects, university laboratories, and small businesses, having Chrome with synchronization, extensions, and video support on par with other platforms This can make it more viable to use these devices as basic workstations or as specialized terminals.
Relationship with the overall commitment to ARM in the ecosystem
Although the announcement focuses on Linux ARM64, it fits with a broader ARM architecture expansion strategy across the entire PC and server market. Manufacturers like Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and MediaTek are investing heavily to compete with the Intel/AMD duopoly, and they need key software, such as browsers, to perform at its best across all platforms.
Google, for its part, already had Chrome adapted to macOS with Apple's own chips and Windows on ARMWith Linux ARM64 covered, the company closes a gap that was difficult to justify, especially considering that Chromebooks with ARM processors They have existed for years and ChromeOS is largely based on Linux technologies.
Support for workstations such as the NVIDIA DGX Spark, which integrates Grace Blackwell architecture into a very compact AI-oriented format, makes it clear that the movement is not limited to simple devices: ARM is also entering the field of high-performance computingAnd having Chrome as the standard browser is almost a requirement on these types of machines.
What does this mean for the average user?
For those who already use Chrome on a daily basis, the change will be as simple as Install it on your Linux ARM64 machine, log in, and let everything sync.The idea is that the browser works the same as on an x86 laptop with Windows or a desktop with macOS, with the only difference being that inside there is an ARM chip and a Linux system.
In homes and small businesses that are testing ARM laptops with Linux For those who use ARM mini PCs as office equipment, having access to the world's most widely used browser reduces one of the common obstacles to abandoning traditional platforms. Those who prefer to continue using Firefox, Chromium, or other alternatives can do so, but at least the decision will be a genuine choice, not simply a consequence of the absence of an official Chrome browser.
With this release, Google completes its native Chrome presence in the ARM ecosystem For desktops and servers, this release is a significant addition to the Linux community, further boosting this architecture in workplaces, education, cloud computing, and alternative hardware projects. Its long wait may be surprising, but its availability establishes a new starting point for those who want to embrace ARM without sacrificing a browser fully compatible with most web services.
