Google To Finally Provide Chrome ARM64 Binaries For Linux

Google has shared exciting news with us today that they are bringing their Chrome web browser to ARM64 Linux devices. The embargo has lifted and Google is announcing Chrome is launching for ARM64 Linux in Q2'2026. This follows Chrome already on Arm-powered macOS hardware since 2020 and Arm-powered Windows since 2024.

The Google Chrome ARM64 binaries will be available for Debian and RPM based distributions, similar to their x86_64 binaries. Beginning in Q2, the official Google Chrome ARM64 Linux binaries will be available at chrome.com/download.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for ARM64 Linux users who have been waiting years for official Chrome support. While ARM64 Linux has been growing steadily in popularity for everything from Raspberry Pi single-board computers to high-performance ARM servers, Chrome users have been forced to either run the 32-bit ARM version or use workarounds like running x86_64 Chrome through emulation.

The ARM64 Linux Landscape

ARM64 Linux has been steadily gaining traction across multiple segments. Single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi 5 and various Rockchip-based devices have brought ARM64 to hobbyists and developers. Meanwhile, server vendors like AWS with their Graviton processors, Ampere, and others have pushed ARM64 into data centers with compelling performance-per-watt metrics.

For years, the lack of official Chrome ARM64 binaries has been a notable gap in the ARM64 Linux ecosystem. While Firefox and other browsers have offered ARM64 versions, Chrome's absence has been particularly frustrating given its market dominance.

What This Means for Users

The availability of native ARM64 binaries brings several advantages:

• Performance: Native ARM64 code eliminates the overhead of running x86_64 binaries through emulation or translation layers
• Memory Efficiency: ARM64's 64-bit architecture can provide better memory handling for modern web applications
• Battery Life: On ARM devices, native code typically offers better power efficiency
• Security: ARM64 provides access to modern security features and mitigations

Distribution Support

Google's decision to support both Debian and RPM-based distributions shows their commitment to covering the majority of ARM64 Linux users. This includes popular distributions like:

• Ubuntu/Debian variants
• Fedora/RHEL/CentOS variants
• OpenSUSE
• Arch Linux

Timeline and Availability

With the Q2'2026 launch window, users won't have to wait much longer. The timing suggests Google has been working on this for some time and is now ready for a coordinated release. The binaries will be available through the standard Chrome download channels at chrome.com/download.

The Bigger Picture

This move by Google reflects the growing maturity and importance of the ARM64 Linux ecosystem. As ARM64 continues to expand beyond mobile devices into desktops, laptops, and servers, having first-class support from major software vendors becomes increasingly important.

For the ARM64 Linux community, this is validation that their platform has reached a level of adoption where supporting it is worth the engineering investment for major companies like Google.

The timing also aligns with broader industry trends toward ARM64 computing, suggesting we may see more software vendors following Google's lead in providing native ARM64 Linux support.

Looking Ahead

With Chrome now joining the ranks of ARM64 Linux browsers, the platform becomes even more viable for everyday use. Combined with native ARM64 versions of other major applications, ARM64 Linux is positioning itself as a serious alternative to x86_64 for many use cases.

For developers and users who have been working around Chrome's absence on ARM64 Linux, the wait is finally coming to an end. Q2'2026 can't come soon enough for those who have been patiently waiting for this support.