OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Atlas reimagines what a browser can be. Instead of juggling tabs and switching between apps, Atlas puts ChatGPT right beside whatever you’re doing online. It can summarize a webpage, rewrite text, or give you a quick explanation without ever leaving the site. Built-in memory means it can recall past chats or page context – and if that feels too personal, you can view, archive, or delete those “browser memories” anytime.

Unlike using ChatGPT in a normal tab, Atlas weaves it directly into your browser window. You can open a sidebar to ask questions, refine copy, or dig deeper into what’s on your screen. The new-tab page doubles as both a chat and a search field – so whether you’re typing a URL or brainstorming a headline, it all happens in one place. Highlight any text, and Atlas can instantly rewrite or polish it for you.

The real star of Atlas is Agent Mode, which lets ChatGPT take small actions on web pages – clicking buttons, filling out forms, or flipping between tabs – with your permission. It’s great for repetitive or data-heavy tasks, but it’s not quite ready to fly solo. Complex workflows or dynamic sites can leave it looping in confusion, like an assistant who keeps clicking the same button hoping for a different result.

When tested on our advancreative website, Agent Mode nailed the basics—finding the contact form and typing in a test message. But when it hit dynamic confirmation steps, it got a little lost, repeating actions in a loop. It’s impressive, but still learning the ropes.

OpenAI emphasizes that Atlas was built with privacy and transparency in mind. The browser gives users granular control over what the assistant can access or remember:

• Disable or adjust Browser Memories
• Use incognito mode or sign out when visiting sensitive sites.
• Turn off page visibility for specific domains (e.g., banking or healthcare).
• Confirm that data sharing for model training is off by default.
• Regularly clear history, memory entries, and unused chats.

While Atlas can access additional context (like visited sites or open tabs) to improve assistance, all data access is opt-in, and browsing information isn’t used for model training unless you explicitly enable it.

Even though OpenAI emphasizes user privacy in Atlas, it’s wise to proceed with caution—past concerns over how user data has been used to train ChatGPT models serve as a reminder that transparency and vigilance are still essential when adopting new AI tools.

Atlas isn’t a plug-in – it’s a full browser built from the ground up to integrate ChatGPT securely. That means downloading it is essential for handling permissions and memory features properly. You can even import your bookmarks and browsing data to keep things familiar.

• macOS 14 or later
• Apple Silicon (M1 or newer)
• ChatGPT account sign-in required

Atlas can only interact with what’s visible in your browser window. Without Agent Mode, it can’t scroll or access hidden data; even with Agent Mode, it needs your go-ahead for every step. These boundaries are intentional – balancing helpfulness with privacy and control.

OpenAI describes Atlas as a “once-in-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can be.” The company’s goal is to make ChatGPT an active, intelligent partner within the workspace—helping users research, plan, and execute tasks without constant tab-switching. Since the browser is where most digital work happens, integrating ChatGPT directly into it represents a step toward a unified “super-assistant” experience.

ChatGPT Atlas is a compelling experiment in AI-assisted browsing. It’s worth exploring for users deeply invested in maximizing AI integration or managing repetitive web-based tasks. Agent Mode and inline AI support make it a strong preview of the future of productivity tools.

However, for most users, Atlas’s browsing experience still feels experimental. It doesn’t yet offer enough everyday improvements to replace polished browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Edge. Until its automation and navigation performance become more consistent, Atlas is best viewed as an innovative companion – an early glimpse into how browsing may evolve rather than a full replacement for your current browser.