OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas browser to challenge Google Chrome

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has introduced an artificial intelligence web browser called ChatGPT Atlas, positioning it against market leader Google Chrome.

Initially released for Apple’s macOS on Tuesday, Atlas places ChatGPT at the heart of browsing, adding a persistent assistant panel that can summarize pages, fill forms and help compare information without switching tabs. 

Contrary to some early descriptions, Atlas still presents a unified field for URLs and queries rather than eliminating the address bar. 

Chief executive Sam Altman described Atlas as “built around ChatGPT,” with a forthcoming Agent Mode that can carry out tasks—such as searches and simple online errands—on a user’s behalf. OpenAI says Agent Mode is rolling out in preview for paying ChatGPT subscribers. 

The launch comes as OpenAI expands ways to monetise its fast-growing user base. In recent weeks the company introduced “Instant Checkout” inside ChatGPT through partnerships with Etsy and Shopify, and rolled out an apps ecosystem that now includes travel integrations from Expedia and Booking.com. 

At its DevDay event earlier this month, Altman said ChatGPT has reached roughly 800 million weekly active users, up from about 400 million in February. 

Industry analysts say Atlas is unlikely to displace entrenched rivals overnight. “Early adopters will kick the tires,” said Pat Moorhead, chief executive and chief analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, but mainstream and corporate users may wait for similar features to arrive in existing browsers such as Microsoft Edge.

OpenAI’s move lands amid heightened antitrust scrutiny of Google’s search dominance. A U.S. judge last month found that Google had illegally maintained a monopoly in online search, but stopped short of forcing a breakup; the Justice Department had urged remedies, including a potential divestiture of Chrome. 

The court instead ordered data-sharing and curbs on certain exclusive deals. 

A growing share of queries is already shifting to AI tools. Datos has estimated that in July, large-language-model services captured 5.99% of desktop search, more than double a year earlier; a separate Wall Street Journal analysis put AI search at about 5.6% of U.S. desktop traffic in June. 

Google, for its part, has been incorporating AI-generated answers into Search over the past year.