A new AI-powered browser could shake up how we use the internet
SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI is getting ready to launch its own web browser, powered by artificial intelligence, and it might arrive in the next few weeks, according to three sources who spoke with Reuters. The browser is expected to challenge Google Chrome — the current market leader owned by Alphabet — and could completely change the way people browse online.
Why a browser? It’s all about user data
If this browser takes off — especially among the 500 million people who already use ChatGPT every week — OpenAI could gain access to valuable user data, something that fuels much of Google’s business. Right now, Chrome is a key piece of Google’s ad empire, helping the company track users and direct them to Google Search by default.
Browsing with a twist: AI at the center
Instead of just showing websites, OpenAI’s browser will likely keep more interactions inside a ChatGPT-style interface, say two of the sources. This means users may not need to click through to external sites as often — they could just get what they need from the AI directly.
Part of a bigger plan
According to one of the insiders, this browser is part of OpenAI’s broader goal to bring AI deeper into both our personal and professional lives. After making a huge splash with ChatGPT in 2022, OpenAI is now looking for the next step — and this browser could be it.
AI agents doing the work for you
One major feature could be built-in AI “agents” — tools that take actions for you inside the browser. These might help users book reservations, fill out forms, or complete other tasks automatically. It’s all about making browsing smarter and more hands-free.
Already working with Chrome’s building blocks
Interestingly, OpenAI’s browser is based on Chromium — the same open-source code behind Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. In fact, OpenAI has already hired two former Google VPs who helped build Chrome in the early days.
Facing tough competition
The browser world is no easy place to break into. Chrome dominates with over 3 billion users and holds more than two-thirds of the global market, according to StatCounter. Apple’s Safari is a distant second with just 16%. Meanwhile, other startups like Perplexity, The Browser Company, and Brave are also experimenting with AI-powered browsers.
Regulatory spotlight and future plans
The role Chrome plays in Google’s ad dominance has drawn government attention. A U.S. judge ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly in online search, and the Department of Justice has called for Chrome to be separated from Google’s other businesses. One OpenAI executive even said in court that they’d consider buying Chrome if it were ever up for sale.
Why not a plugin? OpenAI wants control
So why build a full browser and not just a plugin for Chrome? According to one of the sources, it’s all about control — especially over the data. By owning the full browser experience, OpenAI can shape how people interact with the web and collect insights that fuel its AI development.
As competition in the AI space continues to heat up, OpenAI’s move to launch its own browser feels like a natural next step. If successful, it could not only disrupt the browser market but also reshape how we interact with the internet — putting artificial intelligence at the center of our online experience. It’s a clear sign that the future of the web may no longer be driven solely by search engines, but by smart agents that understand us and act on our behalf.
