OpenAI is preparing to release an AI-powered web browser aimed at challenging Alphabet’s dominant Google Chrome, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
Set to launch in the coming weeks, the browser intends to use artificial intelligence to fundamentally transform how users navigate the web, while giving OpenAI more direct access to critical user data—one of the key drivers behind Google’s success.
If embraced by ChatGPT’s 500 million weekly active users, OpenAI’s browser could put significant pressure on Google’s advertising revenue stream. Chrome is a crucial pillar of Alphabet’s ad business, which generates nearly three-quarters of its revenue by supplying user data to target ads more effectively and by routing search traffic to Google’s own engine by default.
The new browser is designed to keep some user interactions within a ChatGPT-like native chat interface rather than directing users to external websites, two sources said.
This browser is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to integrate its services more deeply into users’ personal and professional lives, one source added.
OpenAI declined to comment. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the plans publicly.
Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 under CEO Sam Altman, OpenAI has shaken up the tech industry but now faces intense competition from Google and startups like Anthropic, prompting it to seek new growth avenues.
In May, OpenAI announced its entry into hardware with a $6.5 billion acquisition of io, an AI device startup founded by Apple design chief Jony Ive.
A dedicated browser would allow OpenAI to seamlessly integrate AI agents like Operator into the browsing experience, enabling tasks such as booking reservations or filling out forms directly within websites.
OpenAI faces a steep challenge. Google Chrome is used by over 3 billion people and controls more than two-thirds of the global browser market, according to StatCounter. Apple’s Safari holds second place with just 16%. OpenAI reported 3 million paying business ChatGPT users last month. Other AI browsers are also emerging: Perplexity launched its AI browser Comet, while The Browser Company and Brave have rolled out AI-powered browsers capable of browsing and summarizing the internet.
Chrome’s dominance in delivering user data for ad targeting has attracted scrutiny. Following a U.S. judge’s ruling that Google holds an unlawful search monopoly, the Department of Justice has demanded Chrome’s divestiture.
OpenAI’s browser will be built on Chromium, Google’s open-source browser code used by Chrome and others like Microsoft Edge and Opera.
Last year, OpenAI hired two former Google VPs who helped develop Chrome, with initial reports revealing OpenAI’s prior interest in building a browser.
An OpenAI executive testified in April that the company would consider buying Chrome if antitrust regulators forced its sale. Google has denied plans to sell Chrome and intends to appeal the monopoly ruling.
Ultimately, OpenAI chose to build its own browser rather than a plug-in on an existing platform to gain greater control over the data it collects, one source said.
Pump Radar
Stock Alerts