Published Date : 22/10/2025
OpenAI announced on Tuesday the launch of its own web browser, Atlas, marking a significant step in its strategy to compete directly with Google. This move positions OpenAI, the world’s most valuable startup, as a gateway to online searches and potentially a major player in the digital advertising market.
Making itself a gateway to online searches could allow OpenAI to capture more internet traffic and the associated revenue from digital advertising. OpenAI has stated that ChatGPT already boasts over 800 million users, many of whom use the service for free. Despite its massive user base, the San Francisco-based company has been operating at a loss and has been actively seeking ways to turn a profit.
Atlas is set to launch on Tuesday for Apple laptops running macOS, with plans to expand to Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s iOS, and Google’s Android operating systems in the near future. This strategic rollout aims to maximize the browser's reach across different platforms and devices.
The launch of Atlas comes just a few months after one of OpenAI’s executives testified that the company would be interested in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser. This interest was in response to a federal judge’s consideration of requiring Google to divest Chrome to prevent it from being declared an illegal monopoly. However, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta last month issued a decision that rejected the Chrome sale sought by the U.S. Justice Department, partly due to the belief that advances in the AI industry are already reshaping the competitive landscape.
Atlas will face a significant challenge against Chrome, which has accumulated about 3 billion users worldwide and has been integrating AI features from Google’s Gemini technology. Chrome’s success provides a blueprint for OpenAI as it enters the browser market. When Google first released Chrome in 2008, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer was the dominant browser, and few believed a new entrant could pose a significant threat. However, Chrome quickly gained popularity by loading webpages faster than Internet Explorer and offering other advantages, ultimately leading Microsoft to abandon Explorer and introduce its Edge browser, which operates similarly to Chrome.
Perplexity, another AI startup, also rolled out its own Comet browser earlier this year. Perplexity had expressed interest in acquiring Chrome and even submitted an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer for the browser, which ultimately hit a dead end following Judge Mehta’s decision against a Google breakup.
OpenAI’s entry into the browser market with Atlas is a bold move that could disrupt the current landscape. With the integration of advanced AI features and a focus on user experience, Atlas aims to attract a significant portion of the global internet user base and establish itself as a formidable competitor to Google Chrome.
Q: What is Atlas?
A: Atlas is a new web browser launched by OpenAI, designed to compete with Google Chrome and other popular browsers. It integrates advanced AI features to enhance user experience.
Q: Why is OpenAI launching a web browser?
A: OpenAI is launching Atlas to capture more internet traffic and revenue from digital advertising. This move also aligns with their strategy to turn a profit and leverage their AI capabilities.
Q: When will Atlas be available?
A: Atlas launched on Tuesday for Apple laptops running macOS and will later be available on Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s iOS, and Google’s Android operating systems.
Q: How does Atlas differ from Google Chrome?
A: Atlas is designed to integrate advanced AI features and offer a more personalized and efficient browsing experience. It aims to challenge Chrome's dominance by providing unique advantages and a better user interface.
Q: What is the current market share of Google Chrome?
A: Google Chrome has a significant market share, with approximately 3 billion users worldwide. It has been the leading web browser for many years, thanks to its speed and feature set.