OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser with ChatGPT integrated at its core. The company says Atlas moves closer to building a “true super-assistant” that understands user context, manages everyday tasks, and simplifies browsing.
According to OpenAI, the browser builds on last year’s addition of real-time search in ChatGPT — one of its most-used features — but expands it into the environment where users already do their work, research, and planning.
A Browser with Built-in ChatGPT
ChatGPT Atlas brings ChatGPT directly into the browsing experience. Users can ask questions, summarize web content, or complete tasks without switching tabs or copying text. The AI understands what’s on the screen and assists within the same window.
Atlas includes built-in ChatGPT memory, allowing conversations to reference previous chats and browsing context. This enables follow-up tasks such as continuing earlier research or retrieving pages viewed before. Over time, ChatGPT becomes more relevant as it recalls key details from user activity to assist in future sessions.
Key Features of ChatGPT Atlas
1. Works in Your Flow
- Unified Start Page: The new tab page serves as the main entry point. Users can type a question or enter a URL to receive organized results in one place, including tabs for search links, images, videos, and news (where available).
- Ask ChatGPT Sidebar: By clicking “Ask ChatGPT,” users can open a sidebar on any webpage to summarize or explain content with full context awareness.
- In-line Edits: While typing in a text field, ChatGPT can offer contextual suggestions and corrections directly within the field.
2. Built Around You
- Personalized Suggestions: Atlas can remember what users have previously explored and recommend next actions — such as reopening past pages, expanding on topics, or automating routine steps.
- Natural Commands: Users can issue instructions like “Reopen shoes I looked at yesterday” or “Clean up my tabs,” and ChatGPT will execute the task.
3. More Capability and Control
Users can control what ChatGPT can access and remember:
- Clear specific pages or entire browsing history
- Open Incognito Mode to temporarily log out of ChatGPT
- Use an address bar toggle to decide which sites ChatGPT can or cannot view
Browser memories are optional and private to each ChatGPT account. Users can view, archive, or delete them anytime. When enabled, they help ChatGPT provide smarter suggestions — such as creating to-do lists from recent browsing or continuing product research.
Privacy, Data Controls, and Parental Settings
OpenAI states that browsing content is not used to train its models by default. Users may opt in by enabling “Include web browsing” in data controls. Even if enabled, sites that opt out of GPTBot will remain excluded.
If chat training is enabled in a ChatGPT account, that setting also applies to Atlas. This includes website content shared in the sidebar or referenced through browser memories.
Parental controls configured in ChatGPT automatically apply to Atlas. Additional options allow parents to disable browser memories and agent mode for safer use.
Agent Mode: Tasks, Research, and Automation
ChatGPT Atlas supports agent mode, allowing ChatGPT to perform actions directly in the browser. Users can ask it to plan events, manage workflows, or complete online activities.
For example, ChatGPT can find a grocery store, add recipe ingredients to a cart, and place an order, or at work, review team documents, gather research, and compile summaries.
When enabled, ChatGPT may request permission to open new tabs or click links as part of task execution. Users can also manually activate agent mode via a dedicated button.
Agent mode launches in preview for Plus, Pro, and Business users. OpenAI notes that it may still make mistakes on complex workflows as the system continues to improve in reliability and task accuracy.
Security and Safeguards
OpenAI has introduced multiple safeguards to limit risks when ChatGPT takes actions within Atlas.
The AI:
- Cannot execute code or install browser extensions
- Cannot access the computer’s file system or other local apps
- Pauses before taking actions on sensitive sites such as financial institutions
- Can operate in logged-out mode to minimize access to personal data
The company warns that agents can still be exposed to malicious hidden instructions, embedded in webpages or emails, that could attempt to redirect actions or extract data. To address this, OpenAI conducted extensive red-teaming and implemented adaptive safety measures.
Users are advised to review agent activities, limit sensitive access, and use logged-out mode when handling private information. OpenAI said it will continue to monitor and patch vulnerabilities as they arise.
Looking Ahead
OpenAI’s roadmap for Atlas includes multi-profile support, enhanced developer tools, and improved Apps SDK discoverability within the browser. Website owners can use ARIA tags to help ChatGPT agents function more accurately with their content.
Availability
ChatGPT Atlas is available globally on macOS for Free, Plus, Pro, and Go users. It is also available in beta for Business users and, where enabled, for Enterprise and Education accounts.
- Agent mode: In preview for Plus, Pro, and Business tiers.
- Upcoming platforms: Windows, iOS, and Android versions are in development.
Atlas can be downloaded at chatgpt.com/atlas. Users can import bookmarks, passwords, and history from their existing browsers when setting up.