OpenAI reportedly developing AI-powered browser to rival Google Chrome

OpenAI is reportedly gearing up to launch an artificial intelligence-driven web browser in the coming weeks, potentially positioning itself as a serious competitor to Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT currently attracting around 500 million weekly active users, the introduction of a native browser could reshape the online browsing landscape. Reuters reported that if widely adopted, OpenAI’s browser could significantly dent Google's advertising revenue, which heavily depends on Chrome to collect user data and channel traffic to its search engine.

Unlike traditional browsers, OpenAI’s upcoming tool is expected to incorporate a ChatGPT-style interface, allowing users to access information without having to click through to external websites. This shift would enable OpenAI to capture more user data directly - a key factor behind Google’s advertising dominance.

Since launching ChatGPT in late 2022 under CEO Sam Altman, OpenAI has disrupted the AI space, prompting a response from tech giants like Google and rising players such as Anthropic. The browser initiative appears to be part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to expand its ecosystem and integrate AI more deeply into everyday user experiences.

In May, OpenAI further signaled its ambitions by acquiring AI hardware startup io - founded by former Apple design head Jony Ive - for $6.5 billion.

According to Reuters, OpenAI plans to integrate tools like its AI assistant “Operator” into the new browser, potentially enabling it to carry out tasks and navigate the web on behalf of users.