ASUS appears to be preparing its first Googlebook notebook, with leaked renders revealing a lightweight 14-inch laptop reportedly carrying the model number CX9406 and internal codename Lapis.
The device was recently showcased in a series of renders published by technology media outlet Digital Citizen. According to the report, ASUS could launch the new Googlebook in autumn 2026, although the company has yet to officially confirm the product or its specifications.
If the leaked details prove accurate, the CX9406 could target users who want the simplicity of ChromeOS combined with premium hardware, a large touchscreen, modern connectivity, and an unusually lightweight chassis.
ASUS CX9406 Googlebook: Expected Specifications
| Feature | ASUS CX9406 |
|---|---|
| Internal Codename | Lapis |
| Operating System | ChromeOS / Googlebook platform |
| Display | 14-inch touchscreen |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 |
| Processor Options | Intel Core Ultra 5 325 / Core Ultra 7 335 |
| Memory | 32GB / 64GB LPDDR5X |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth |
| Weight | Under 1 kg |
| Materials | Ultra-ceramic lightweight alloy |
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, 3.5mm audio |
| Launch Window | Expected autumn 2026 |
The specifications above are based on leaked information and may change before official release.
ASUS’ First Googlebook
The CX9406 is notable because it is reportedly ASUS’ first Googlebook notebook.
While ASUS has already produced numerous Chromebook models, the Googlebook concept could represent a more premium approach to ChromeOS hardware. Rather than focusing exclusively on affordable education and productivity machines, ASUS appears to be exploring a design that combines flagship-style hardware with Google’s lightweight operating system.
The reported specifications suggest that the CX9406 could sit at the higher end of the ChromeOS notebook market.
However, ASUS has not yet officially confirmed whether the product will be marketed globally as a “Googlebook” or provided final details regarding its commercial positioning.
14-Inch 16:10 Touchscreen
The ASUS CX9406 is reportedly equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen using a 16:10 aspect ratio.
The taller 16:10 format provides additional vertical workspace compared with traditional 16:9 laptop displays. This can be useful when browsing websites, working with documents, coding, or multitasking with multiple applications.
Touch support also gives users another way to interact with ChromeOS, particularly when using Android applications and other touch-optimized software.
The combination of a 14-inch panel and compact chassis could make the CX9406 suitable for both mobile productivity and desktop use.
Sub-1kg Ultra-Lightweight Design
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the leaked ASUS Googlebook is its weight.
The device is reportedly constructed from an ultra-ceramic lightweight alloy and weighs less than 1 kilogram.
For a 14-inch notebook, a sub-1kg weight would be particularly impressive. It could make the CX9406 an attractive option for students, business travelers, remote workers, and anyone who frequently carries a laptop between locations.
The lightweight design also suggests that ASUS is prioritizing portability as one of the device’s defining characteristics.
At the same time, the final weight will depend on the exact configuration and production model, so the sub-1kg figure should be considered unconfirmed until ASUS publishes official specifications.
Intel Core Ultra Processors
According to the leaked information, the CX9406 could be offered with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 or Intel Core Ultra 7 335 processor.
If confirmed, these processors would give the Googlebook considerably more processing capability than many traditional entry-level Chromebooks.
The higher-end Core Ultra configuration could be particularly useful for demanding productivity workloads, multitasking, web applications, and other tasks supported by ChromeOS.
The use of modern Intel Core Ultra hardware would also suggest that ASUS wants this notebook to compete beyond the conventional budget Chromebook category.
Up to 64GB LPDDR5X Memory
Another unusually high specification is the reported memory capacity.
The CX9406 is expected to offer 32GB or 64GB of LPDDR5X memory, with the 64GB configuration standing out among ChromeOS notebooks.
Large memory capacity can be particularly useful for users who regularly keep numerous browser tabs and applications open simultaneously. ChromeOS is heavily integrated with browser-based workflows, making available memory an important factor for multitasking.
A 64GB option could also help extend the useful lifespan of the machine as web applications and ChromeOS workloads become increasingly demanding.
However, it remains unclear whether 64GB will be available across all regions or reserved for a higher-end configuration.
Modern Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is another area where the CX9406 appears to embrace newer standards.
The notebook is reportedly equipped with Wi-Fi 7, alongside Bluetooth connectivity.
Wi-Fi 7 can offer higher theoretical throughput, lower latency, and improved performance in congested wireless environments when paired with a compatible router.
For a cloud-focused operating system such as ChromeOS, fast and reliable wireless connectivity is particularly important. Many users rely heavily on web applications, cloud storage, video conferencing, streaming, and online collaboration.
The addition of Wi-Fi 7 therefore fits well with the notebook’s intended mobile and cloud-centric use case.
Extensive Port Selection
Despite its lightweight design, the leaked renders suggest that ASUS has not eliminated many traditional ports.
The notebook reportedly includes:
- USB-C
- USB-A
- HDMI
- 3.5mm headphone/audio jack
A second USB-C and USB-A port are reportedly visible on the opposite side of the device as well.
This would give the CX9406 a useful selection of connectivity options without requiring users to rely on dongles for common peripherals.
HDMI could be particularly useful for connecting external monitors or projectors, while USB-A remains convenient for older accessories such as flash drives, keyboards, and mice.
Chromebook-Style Keyboard With New Controls
The keyboard reportedly follows a layout similar to existing Chromebook Plus models.
The design includes dedicated shortcut keys intended to provide quick access to common ChromeOS functions. A distinctive G key is also reportedly included as a startup or system-related shortcut.
At the upper-right portion of the keyboard, ASUS appears to have integrated a fingerprint sensor, adding a biometric authentication option to the notebook.
A fingerprint reader would make unlocking the device more convenient while providing an additional layer of security for users working with personal or business data.
Premium ChromeOS Positioning
The leaked specifications indicate that ASUS could be taking a more premium approach with the CX9406.
Traditional Chromebooks have generally been associated with affordable hardware and simple web-based computing. However, Google’s Chromebook Plus initiative has increasingly pushed the platform toward better displays, faster processors, improved cameras, AI features, and more capable hardware.
The CX9406 appears to continue that trend.
A 14-inch touchscreen, Core Ultra processor options, up to 64GB LPDDR5X memory, Wi-Fi 7, fingerprint authentication, and a sub-1kg chassis would give it a considerably more premium specification than a conventional entry-level Chromebook.
Who Could the ASUS CX9406 Be For?
If the leaked specifications are accurate, the ASUS Googlebook could appeal to several groups of users.
Students
Its lightweight construction would make it easy to carry between classrooms, libraries, and home, while the touchscreen could provide additional flexibility.
Business Travelers
The sub-1kg design could be particularly attractive to professionals who regularly travel for work.
Remote Workers
ChromeOS is well suited to cloud-based workflows, while the larger 14-inch display and extensive connectivity could make the CX9406 useful as a primary work machine.
Creators and Power Users
The higher memory configurations could appeal to users who frequently multitask across browser applications and demanding web-based services.
ASUS CX9406: Expected Highlights
Based on the leaked information, the key features of the ASUS CX9406 include:
- 14-inch touchscreen display
- 16:10 aspect ratio
- Intel Core Ultra 5 325 or Core Ultra 7 335
- Up to 64GB LPDDR5X memory
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth
- Sub-1kg weight
- Ultra-ceramic lightweight alloy construction
- Fingerprint sensor
- USB-C and USB-A ports
- HDMI output
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Chromebook Plus-style keyboard
- Expected autumn 2026 launch
Final Thoughts
The leaked ASUS CX9406 Googlebook could represent an interesting new direction for ASUS and ChromeOS notebooks.
Its combination of a 14-inch touchscreen, modern Intel Core Ultra processors, up to 64GB LPDDR5X memory, Wi-Fi 7, extensive connectivity, fingerprint authentication, and a sub-1kg chassis suggests a device designed to compete in the premium lightweight laptop segment rather than the traditional budget Chromebook market.
The reported ultra-lightweight construction may ultimately be its biggest selling point. A 14-inch notebook weighing less than 1kg could offer an attractive balance between screen size and portability, particularly for frequent travelers and mobile professionals.
That said, the CX9406 remains an unannounced product based on leaked information. ASUS has yet to officially confirm its specifications, pricing, availability, or final branding. If the current reports are accurate, however, the notebook could make its debut in autumn 2026 and become one of the more interesting high-end ChromeOS devices to watch this year.