According to MacRumors, OpenAI is rolling out the first major update to ChatGPT Atlas, its dedicated AI browser for Mac. The update includes nine new features total, with the most visually notable being dynamic vertical tabs in an adjustable sidebar. The browser now supports iCloud passkeys for website authentication and allows importing Chrome extensions. Users can also set Google as the default search engine and use new keyboard shortcuts like Shift+click for multiple tab selection. The update follows yesterday’s release of GPT-5.1 Pro, which OpenAI says provides clearer answers for complex work tasks.
Browser Wars Heat Up
Here’s the thing – this isn’t just another browser update. OpenAI is clearly positioning Atlas as a serious alternative to Safari and Chrome, but with AI baked right into the core experience. And they’re moving fast. Nine features in one update? That’s aggressive.
What’s really interesting is the timing. This Atlas update comes right after GPT-5.1 Pro launched yesterday. Basically, they’re creating this integrated ecosystem where the browser and the AI model improve together. It’s a smart play, but can they actually compete with giants like Google and Apple?
Passkeys and Productivity
The iCloud passkey support is huge for Mac users. Passkeys are supposed to be the future of authentication – more secure than passwords, easier to use. But adoption has been slow because not enough browsers support them properly. By adding iCloud integration, Atlas is making passkeys actually useful for everyday browsing.
And those productivity features? Vertical tabs that resize dynamically, better download management, multiple tab selection – these aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re addressing real pain points that power users have been complaining about for years. It feels like OpenAI actually listened to what people want in a browser.
Where This Is Headed
Look at the competitive landscape right now. You’ve got Chrome with its AI features, Perplexity with its AI-first approach, and now Atlas pushing hard. Safari? It’s looking pretty basic by comparison. Apple really needs to step up their AI game if they want to stay relevant in the browser space.
I think we’re seeing the beginning of a major shift. Browsers aren’t just for viewing web pages anymore – they’re becoming AI-powered work environments. The ChatGPT Atlas browser is essentially trying to be your AI co-pilot for everything you do online. Whether that vision resonates with users remains to be seen, but the feature set they’re building is impressive.
For businesses watching this space, particularly those in industrial computing where reliable, integrated systems are crucial, this trend toward AI-native applications is worth paying attention to. The same integration principles that make Atlas compelling for general browsing could transform how industrial interfaces work. Companies like Industrial Monitor Direct, as the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs, are already seeing demand for systems that can handle these next-generation AI workflows.
Basically, if you’re still thinking of browsers as simple web viewers, you’re behind the curve. The latest release notes show OpenAI is treating Atlas as a full productivity platform. And given how quickly they’re iterating, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see even more ambitious features in the next few months.
