Following the success of ChatGPT, OpenAI is gradually expanding from language models to a full ecosystem of AI-driven products. One of the latest steps in this direction is the Atlas browser — a tool that combines web navigation, data analysis, and automation. The developers present it as a new way to interact with the internet, although its interface closely resembles Google Chrome.
The team at Incrypted explored Atlas, examining its underlying technologies and how it differs from competitors like Comet.
What is Atlas
Atlas is an OpenAI application that integrates standard web browsing with AI-powered features.
In essence, it is a “browser with ChatGPT built-in,” allowing users not only to navigate web pages but also to interact with their content directly through a chat interface. Users can ask questions, summarize text, analyze data, or automate simple tasks without leaving the page.
OpenAI officially launched Atlas on October 21, 2025, emphasizing that the browser aims to make online work more contextual and reduce the need to switch between tabs and applications.
Currently, Atlas is available on macOS, with Windows, iOS, and Android versions under development. The browser can be used for free, though certain AI features, like Agent Mode for automating tasks, are limited to paid ChatGPT users.
Technical Features
Atlas is built on Chromium, the same engine behind Chrome, Edge, and Brave. This ensures fast performance, compatibility with web standards, and support for extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Its interface is familiar to users of Chromium-based browsers, with tabs, bookmarks, history, password management, and extensions in expected locations. The key difference is the ChatGPT panel and assistant button next to the address bar, which allows real-time interaction with page content using text prompts.
The browser can interpret web page content as structured data, not just plain text. Some Chrome extensions, however, may not work perfectly on Atlas due to differences in architecture, and device synchronization is not yet supported.
AI Capabilities in Atlas
Assistant Panel
Each tab includes an AI assistant that “sees” the page content and can interact directly with it. Users can ask questions like “Summarize this article in five points” or “Explain this paragraph in simpler terms” without copying text into a separate chat.
The assistant can extract data from tables and charts, count keyword mentions, and generate concise summaries.
Long-Term Memory and Context
Atlas can remember your browsing activity, storing recent tabs, sites, and content locally. Users can fully disable memory or clear it after each session to maintain privacy.
Agent Mode
Agent Mode is the most ambitious feature, allowing ChatGPT to perform multi-step tasks autonomously. For instance, it can search for official Atlas announcements, compare features with previous versions, and present results in structured formats like tables.
Agent Mode is currently in public beta. While it can handle sequential tasks, complex workflows may cause delays or errors. OpenAI plans to add support for custom instructions and external service integrations in the future.
Atlas vs. Comet
Atlas is part of a wave of AI-integrated browsers released in 2025, including Comet by Perplexity AI.
- Concept: Comet is optimized for fast, accurate data retrieval, acting as an “intelligent search engine” that can suggest actions like sending emails or booking tickets. Atlas focuses on creating a full workspace, analyzing pages, comparing sources, structuring information, and remembering session data.
- Interface & Architecture: Both are Chromium-based. Comet offers a minimalist, lightweight interface with split-view mode to see web pages and AI dialogue simultaneously. Atlas uses a side-panel assistant next to the page.
- Automation: Atlas’s Agent Mode can execute complex, multi-step workflows across multiple sites. Comet performs simpler tasks within a single page.
- Privacy: Atlas stores most data locally and requires user consent for processing. Comet may process some information on Perplexity’s servers but allows memory and history clearing.
| Feature | Atlas (OpenAI) | Comet (Perplexity AI) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Engine | Chromium | Chromium |
| AI Interface | Embedded panel beside page | Split-view during assistant use |
| Agent Features | Multi-step task automation | Single-page actions only |
| Privacy | Local storage, user consent required | Mostly local, some server processing |
Limitations and Security
Atlas is still in active development. Users may encounter:
- Assistant errors: Agent Mode may mismanage complex queries, lose context, or open unnecessary tabs. Manual supervision is recommended.
- Technical constraints: Side-panel AI may reduce visible page area, and some extensions may behave inconsistently. macOS is the only supported platform for now.
- Security risks: Like other AI browsers, Atlas can be vulnerable to prompt injection attacks. Users should avoid running Agent Mode on untrusted sites and review each automated action.
Installing Atlas
Atlas runs on macOS 13 Ventura or later, supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon devices. Installation is straightforward:
- Download Atlas.dmg from the official site.
- Drag the Atlas icon into the Applications folder.
- Launch Atlas via Launchpad or Spotlight and confirm permissions.
- Sign in with your OpenAI account.
- Import bookmarks, history, and passwords from Chrome, Safari, or Brave for a smooth transition.
- Adjust Browser Memories and Privacy settings to control personalization.
Atlas represents a significant step in browser evolution, moving from passive page viewing to active AI-driven interaction. Its advantages include familiar interface, deep AI integration, and local data control. Limitations involve Agent Mode reliability, platform availability, and security concerns.
For users willing to experiment with new internet interaction formats, Atlas is a promising tool, though broader adoption will require addressing current shortcomings.
