Google is separating Chrome from Chrome OS — it's a big deal, here's what you need to know - Android Police

For example, Chrome OS can be running on OS 87, but the Chrome binary can be on version 89.

With the most recent Chrome OS Canary channel update, we have our first early look at the Lacros Chrome browser running in Chrome OS.

As you can see, Lacros Chrome functions and behaves like a normal Chrome browser installed on a traditional operating system.

Currently, Chrome is intertwined deeply with Chrome OS, meaning Google has to compile and ship one monolithic package to the update channels.

Just like on an Android phone, when your Chromebook hits AUE, you lose out on new Chrome OS updates.

Losing out on a Chrome OS update also means that Chrome itself won't get updated either, which leaves the browser outdated, vulnerable, and unable to take advantage of updated platforms on the web.

Since this Chrome binary is distributed separately from Chrome OS, Google can easily update the Chrome binary independently from the operating system.

That means even if your Chromebook hits AUE, your browser will at least get the latest and greatest features — and critically, security fixes — from Google.

Thanks to Lacros, school Chromebooks that hit AUE could continue to receive Chrome updates so students can continue using their web-based platforms.

I imagine Google would set up Chrome OS to prompt users to install Lacros once their Chromebook hits AUE, but I'm not sure?