OpenAI is reportedly getting ready to launch its own AI-powered web browser, aiming to challenge Google Chrome’s dominance in the market, according to three sources familiar with the development.
The browser is expected to debut in the coming weeks and is designed to use artificial intelligence to transform how people interact with the web. If successful, this new browser could give OpenAI direct access to valuable user data—a key element behind Google’s advertising success.
With ChatGPT currently attracting around 500 million weekly active users, OpenAI’s new browser could disrupt Google’s stronghold in digital advertising. Chrome plays a crucial role in Alphabet’s ad business, which generates nearly 75% of the company’s revenue. It not only helps Google track users for targeted advertising but also drives traffic to its search engine by default.
According to two sources, OpenAI’s browser will include a native chat interface, similar to ChatGPT, allowing some interactions to happen directly within the browser without visiting separate websites.
One source added that this move is part of a wider plan to integrate OpenAI’s services into both personal and professional parts of users’ lives.
OpenAI declined to comment on the development. The sources requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak publicly.
Since launching ChatGPT in late 2022, OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has significantly influenced the tech industry. However, it now faces increased competition from companies like Google and Anthropic and is exploring new areas for growth.
In May, OpenAI announced it would enter the hardware space by acquiring io, an AI device startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion.
The new browser would allow OpenAI to integrate its AI agent tools, such as Operator, directly into web browsing. This would let the browser perform tasks like booking reservations or filling out forms on behalf of users.
However, breaking into the browser market will not be easy. Google Chrome currently holds more than two-thirds of the global market, with over 3 billion users. Apple’s Safari is a distant second with 16%, according to data from StatCounter. Meanwhile, OpenAI recently announced it has 3 million paying business users for ChatGPT.
Other players are also moving into this space. Perplexity launched its AI browser, Comet, which can take actions on users’ behalf. Similarly, The Browser Company and Brave have released AI-based browsers capable of browsing and summarizing content.
Chrome’s role in Google’s ad revenue has been so crucial that the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking its divestiture after a judge ruled last year that Google holds an unlawful monopoly in online search.
OpenAI’s browser will be based on Chromium, the same open-source code that powers Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera, two sources said.
Last year, OpenAI hired two former Google vice presidents who were part of the original Chrome development team. Their hiring, first reported by The Information, came as OpenAI began considering its own browser. In April, an OpenAI executive even said the company would be interested in buying Chrome if regulators forced Google to sell it.
Although Google has no plans to sell Chrome and has said it will appeal the antitrust ruling, OpenAI chose to build its own browser instead of developing a plugin. According to one source, this gives the company more control over user data.
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