For quite some time, many have predicted that chatbots would begin to replace traditional search engines like Google Search—and that it was only a matter of time before someone built a browser powered by AI. That time has come: OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, its own browser that blends artificial intelligence with the “classic” way of exploring the web.
Headlines across the internet are already calling it “the end of Google Chrome’s dominance” or a revolution in how we browse the web. But is ChatGPT Atlas really that groundbreaking? The answer is: it depends.
ChatGPT Atlas includes features such as a sidebar with integrated ChatGPT, the ability to converse with AI about the currently open page, and—perhaps most importantly—the Agent Mode, which lets users book services, fill out forms, edit text directly within websites, or even make purchases. The browser also supports a memory feature, allowing it (with user consent) to remember preferences and context from past interactions.
The key innovation here is that ChatGPT is present at every step of your browsing experience—it’s not a separate app but a constant companion. For everyday users, the most “revolutionary” part is the ability to delegate online tasks to the in-browser agent, which could streamline and automate routine activities like opening favorite morning websites or ordering breakfast to the office.
That said, I remain somewhat skeptical. Despite the abundance of flashy features and trendy buzzwords, the core browser engine behind Atlas is none other than Chromium—the same one powering Chrome and Edge. While this ensures great compatibility with existing websites and extensions, it also limits customization compared to browsers like Firefox, which uses its own engine. Under the hood, ChatGPT Atlas is essentially a customized Chromium layer with OpenAI’s proprietary enhancements.
After spending some time testing the Agent Mode, I can say it’s impressive—but not flawless. It occasionally freezes or hallucinates, for example by suggesting completely incorrect delivery addresses when shopping online.
Currently, ChatGPT Atlas is available only for macOS, but versions for Windows, iOS, and Android are on the way. The browser’s success will largely depend on whether OpenAI can attract and retain a large enough user base—especially among those who already use ChatGPT regularly.
