OpenAI is on the verge of launching an artificial intelligence-driven web browser that could compete with Alphabet’s Google Chrome, according to sources familiar with the matter. The new browser, expected to debut in the coming weeks, aims to transform how users interact with the internet by leveraging AI technology. This move could challenge Google’s stronghold on the browser market, which is a key driver of its advertising revenue.
The AI-powered browser is designed to keep many user interactions within a ChatGPT-like chat interface, reducing the need to visit external websites. If widely adopted by ChatGPT’s 500 million weekly users, OpenAI’s browser could threaten Google’s ad-based business model. Chrome plays a vital role in Alphabet’s revenue, as it collects user data to optimize ad targeting and ensures Google remains the default search engine for millions.
This development is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to embed its AI services into both personal and professional digital experiences. The company, led by Sam Altman, has been aggressively expanding since ChatGPT’s 2022 launch, facing competition from rivals like Google and Anthropic. In May, OpenAI announced a $6.5 billion deal to acquire an AI hardware startup, signaling its push beyond software.
An OpenAI-powered browser could integrate AI agents like “Operator,” enabling automated tasks on behalf of users. While OpenAI has declined to comment, industry experts believe this could mark a significant shift in the browser wars. Will AI redefine how we browse the web? The answer may come sooner than expected.