According to The Verge, OpenAI is updating ChatGPT Atlas with vertical tabs that make it resemble the Arc browser interface. Instead of traditional top tabs, users can now access tabs through a left-hand sidebar that can be resized and reordered. The update also makes Google available as the default search engine, which is significant since using Atlas often feels like “Googling with extra steps.” Additional features include the ability to select and drag multiple tabs using Command or Shift click, import extensions from existing browsers for new users, improved downloads interface, and iCloud keychain passkey support. ChatGPT Atlas launched on macOS just last month, positioning itself alongside other AI browsing tools like Perplexity’s Comet and Google’s Gemini Chrome extension.
Browser wars heat up
So OpenAI is basically taking notes from Arc’s playbook here. And honestly, it makes sense – vertical tabs are one of those features that people either love or hate, but the people who love them really love them. The timing is interesting though. ChatGPT Atlas only launched a month ago on macOS, and they’re already making significant interface changes. That tells me they’re either responding to user feedback really quickly or they had this planned all along and wanted to get something out the door fast.
Here’s the thing: this feels like OpenAI trying to figure out what an AI browser should actually be. Should it look like Chrome? Should it look like Arc? Or should it be something completely different? Right now, they’re playing it safe by borrowing from what’s already working elsewhere. But the core experience – asking questions and getting AI-generated answers – remains the same.
Search engine shift
The Google integration is probably more important than it seems at first glance. Think about it – when you’re using an AI browser, you’re essentially getting summarized information. But sometimes you just want to see the raw search results yourself. Making Google the default acknowledges that AI isn’t always the answer. It’s a smart move that makes Atlas feel less like a walled garden and more like a tool that understands real-world browsing habits.
And let’s be real – how many times have you used ChatGPT or similar tools only to end up Googling the answer anyway because you wanted to verify sources or see different perspectives? This integration basically shortcuts that process.
Where is this headed?
I’m curious about the extension import feature, even if it’s only for new users right now. That suggests OpenAI wants to make switching to Atlas as painless as possible. But will people actually switch their primary browser for this? Or is Atlas destined to be a secondary tool for specific research tasks?
The vertical tabs are nice, but they’re not the full Arc experience yet. The address bar stays at the top, and the sidebar doesn’t have all of Arc’s organizational features. Still, it’s a step toward making AI browsing feel more like, well, actual browsing rather than just a chatbot with extra steps. You can check out the full release notes to see everything that’s changed.
Basically, this feels like OpenAI is rapidly iterating to find product-market fit for AI browsing. They’re throwing features at the wall to see what sticks. And given how fast they’re moving, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see even more significant changes in the coming months.
