OpenAI, is on the brink of releasing an AI-powered web browser that may challenge Google Chrome’s dominance. Sources close to the project revealed the launch is only weeks away. This bold leap, first reported by Reuters, shows OpenAI’s ambition to step beyond chatbots and reshape how people surf the internet.
This isn’t your usual browser. It’s got a built-in ChatGPT vibe, so you can use AI to chat right there, no need to hop over to OpenAI’s site. Imagine surfing the web but staying in a cozy AI convo instead of jumping to random pages. It could totally change how we hang out online.
OpenAI’s throwing a punch at Google. Chrome owns 68% of the browser world, per Statista, and it’s a data jackpot for Google’s ad cash, which is like three-quarters of their money. Chrome tracks what you do online, helping Google make ads super targeted. If OpenAI’s browser grabs some of that data with its 500 million ChatGPT users, it might steal a chunk of Google’s power.
This isn’t OpenAI’s first go at browsers. Last year, The Information spilled that they were sniffing around the idea and nabbed two ex-Google big shots who helped start Chrome. Plus, OpenAI dropped $6.5 billion on io, an AI gadget company run by Apple’s old design star, Jony Ive. They’re clearly dreaming big, wanting AI examples like intelligent search and predictive browsing to be in every corner of our lives, much like competitors such as Zhipu AI, who are also pushing innovative AI solutions in China’s tech scene.
Timing’s wild right now. A judge said last August that Google’s got an illegal lock on search, and the Justice Department wants Chrome sold off. OpenAI, Perplexity, and Yahoo are all eyeing Chrome if it hits the market. Speaking of, Perplexity just rolled out their AI browser, Comet, on July 9, 2025, for their $200-a-month users. Like OpenAI’s, it does tasks and sums up web stuff, showing AI browsers are the hot new thing.
OpenAI’s got a tough road ahead. Chrome’s got 3 billion users, way ahead of Apple’s Safari at 16% and small fry like Firefox or Brave. Chrome’s baked into Google stuff like Gmail and Android, so it’s the go-to for tons of folks. But OpenAI’s browser might stand out by being super smart, guessing what you need, and skipping the endless clicks.
The AI browser race is on fire. Besides Comet, startups like The Browser Company and Brave dropped their own AI browsers that focus on privacy and quick web summaries. OpenAI’s huge user base and AI skills could give it a leg up, but building a whole browser on Chromium isn’t easy. They skipped just making a plug-in to control the data they grab, which is key for making their AI even better. This focus on data control will allow users to refine their AI prompts for more personalized results.
Google’s not chilling, though. Chrome’s boss, Parisa Tabriz, dropped hints on X about a new Chromium project. Google’s also pushing its Gemini AI into search and more to fight off these AI newbies. With the Justice Department’s ruling hanging over, the browser fight’s about to get crazy, and OpenAI’s jump-in could speed up this whole AI-web shift.
Everyone’s watching as OpenAI gets ready to show off its browser. Can it crack Google’s grip, or is Chrome just too big? One thing’s sure: the internet’s about to get way cooler.
