OpenAI’s next big launch could be an AI web browser

OpenAI is planning to launch an AI web browser in the “coming weeks,” according to a report from Reuters. Sources tell the outlet that OpenAI could build its Operator AI agent into the browser, allowing it to book reservations, fill out forms, and complete other tasks on a user’s behalf as it moves toward an “agentic” future.

As noted by Reuters, the browser will feature a “native” ChatGPT interface, potentially allowing users to interact with the chatbot directly through the browser rather than navigating to OpenAI’s website. OpenAI also reportedly plans to power its browser with Google’s open-source engine, Chromium, which is used by major browsers like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

This week, the AI startup Perplexity also launched a Chromium-based web browser, called Comet, for its $200 per month subscribers. The browser uses Perplexity’s AI search engine by default and comes with a built-in AI assistant. OpenAI’s upcoming browser could pose yet another threat to Google, which could be forced to sell Chrome as part of a federal antitrust ruling. Both Perplexity and OpenAI have said they would consider buying the browser.

This isn’t the first time we’re hearing about a potential browser from OpenAI. Last year, The Information reported that OpenAI had been exploring the possibility of launching a browser, and even hired two people who were “instrumental” in launching Google Chrome. OpenAI began weaving its search engine within ChatGPT last year, and building this capability into its browser seems like a logical expansion.