OpenAI has released the first major update to ChatGPT Atlas, its standalone AI-driven browser for macOS built on Chromium. The update introduces nine new features that expand basic usability and bring Atlas closer to the functionality offered by established browsers, while also sharpening its integration with ChatGPT.
The most visible change is the addition of vertical tabs, which now sit in an adjustable sidebar and resize dynamically depending on how many are open. Atlas also gains a redesigned download manager, a small but meaningful improvement for users who rely on clearer file-handling controls in their daily workflow. These updates bring the browser’s interface more in line with current browser trends, where side-panel navigation and modular layouts have become standard for managing high tab volumes.
Support for iCloud-stored passkeys marks a more significant functional shift. Users can now create and use passkeys on compatible websites and sync them through Apple’s cloud infrastructure, a step that improves security and reduces reliance on traditional passwords. The browser also allows importing Chrome extensions, which addresses a key limitation of many alternative browsers and helps Atlas fit more easily into existing web routines. Users can now set Google as their default search engine as well, another practical addition for those who prefer Google Search’s indexing and relevance.
OpenAI has also introduced features for more efficient tab management, including multi-tab selection via Shift-click and the ability to cycle through recently used tabs using Control + Tab. These are everyday navigation refinements but help the browser feel more consistent with long-established keyboard conventions. The responsiveness of the Ask ChatGPT sidebar—central to the Atlas experience—has also been improved to reduce latency and make answers appear more quickly during browsing.
Atlas arrives at a moment when several major companies are experimenting with AI-enabled browsers. Chrome already embeds AI assistance, and platforms like Perplexity offer AI-native browsing experiences. Safari, by contrast, has yet to adopt system-level AI features, leading to speculation about whether Apple will need to integrate Siri or other on-device intelligence to remain competitive as AI-driven navigation becomes more common.
The update also follows the release of GPT-5.1 Pro, which OpenAI describes as offering more structured and context-aware performance for writing assistance, business queries, and data-oriented tasks. Early testers have cited improvements in clarity and relevance, suggesting that model updates and browser integration are moving in tandem as OpenAI continues to link its browsing environment with its language systems.
