The "Lapis" Googlebook is currently in development as part of the Fatcat series, powered by Intel's Panther Lake processors.
Commits related to the boot screen OEM logo have confirmed it is an ASUS-manufactured device. Additionally, benchmark results from what appears to be actual hardware equipped with the Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra 5 325 have surfaced on Geekbench.
This article summarizes everything we currently know about the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) powered Googlebook "Lapis."
Update Information
- July 20, 2026: It has been definitively confirmed as an ASUS device, and we have verified that the product name will include "CX9406".
Current Development Status
Development for "Lapis" began in September 2025. Early code indicates it is designed as a 14-inch class clamshell device, with evidence suggesting both touch and non-touch variants will be available.
Relatively early on, battery-related code revealed the adoption of the CosMX "C22N," a battery used in ASUS's Zenbook and Chromebook Flip CX series, leading to early speculation that it would be an ASUS device.
Subsequently, similar to Ruby (Lenovo) and Moonstone (Acer), commits related to the boot screen OEM logo confirmed that Lapis is indeed an ASUS device.
Initially, it was believed to be a Chromebook Plus. However, the revelation of Aluminium OS and numerous bug reports related to Android 17 (Aluminium OS: ALOS) linking ASUS and Lapis changed the trajectory. Ultimately, with Google's announcement of the new "Googlebook" category, it became clear that "Lapis" will be released as a Googlebook.
Expected Specs and Benchmarks
Based on development code and benchmarks, "Lapis" is expected to feature the following specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
| Display |
14-inch |
| CPU |
Core Ultra 5 325 |
| RAM | 32GB / 64GB |
| Internal Storage | NVMe Gen 4 or Gen 5 |
| External Storage | None |
| Webcam | FL225F (Same as ASUS ExpertBook Ultra?) |
| Ports |
USB-C (USB4) × 2 |
| Battery |
Up to 65W |
| Network |
Wi-Fi 7 |
| Other |
Fingerprint sensor |
Discoveries in the code suggest the webcam uses the "FL225F" model number, identical to the one found in the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra series.
The port selection is expected to include two USB4-supported USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Support for a fingerprint sensor and a backlit keyboard (which may be optional) has also been indicated.
Furthermore, Geekbench benchmarks have confirmed two configurations: one with a Core Ultra 5 325 and 32GB of RAM, and another with a Core Ultra 7 355 and 64GB of RAM.
Average scores hover around 2,326 for single-core and 9,170 for multi-core performance. These figures are nearly identical to the scores previously discovered for "Fatcat", "Ruby", and "Moonstone".
Given the information thus far, "Lapis" could turn out to be a device akin to an "ASUS ExpertBook Ultra" running Android (Aluminium OS). Additionally, considering ASUS released its top-tier Chromebook Plus under the ExpertBook moniker, there is a strong possibility this new device will also carry the ExpertBook name.
Additional Information
Update on July 20, 2026: In the Energy Star certification database, we confirmed the name of a new ASUS laptop, "CX9406CAA," registered as an Aluminium OS device. Additionally, the bottom design of the device has been revealed through FCC filings.
As indicated by the benchmarks, it is equipped with a Core Ultra 7 355 and 64GB of RAM. Given its association with Aluminium OS, its model number starting with "CX" just like Chromebooks, and its resemblance to the past "CX9 (CX9400)", it is now certain that this model is included in the product name for "Lapis".
Summary
Multiple pieces of evidence—from the boot screen OEM logo and battery model numbers to bug reports—have definitively confirmed that "Lapis" is an ASUS device.
It is undoubtedly expected to be part of the first wave of Googlebooks slated for a Fall 2026 release, and is anticipated to debut as the model featuring the highest capacity 64GB RAM among these Googlebooks.
Intel Panther Lake-Powered 'Fatcat' Points toward Next-Generation Googlebook Lineup