OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT Atlas browser for Mac with several practical features that are meant to make every day browsing feel a little smoother. The update was announced this week by Atlas product lead Adam Fry, and it brings iCloud passkey support, a vertical tab layout, and the option to set Google as the default search engine. These tweaks seem to reflect early feedback from people who wanted the AI-focused browser to behave more like a familiar, daily-use tool.
Key Takeaways
- iCloud Passkeys Support: You can now sign in to websites using Touch ID or Face ID instead of typing passwords.
- Vertical Tabs: A new layout option lets you organize open tabs in a list on the side of the screen.
- Google Search Integration: Users can finally set Google as their default search engine instead of relying solely on AI search.
- Easier Migration: The update includes a tool to import extensions directly from Chrome or Edge.
- New Shortcuts: New keyboard controls allow for quicker tab cycling and multiple tab selection.
A More Practical Browsing Experience
ChatGPT Atlas is a standalone web browser launched by OpenAI in late 2025. It differs from the standard ChatGPT desktop app, which is mainly a chat window. Atlas behaves like a full browser, something closer to Chrome or Safari, but with AI features woven into the sidebar and the address bar. I think that mix can feel surprisingly natural if you spend enough time with it.
Among the new additions, iCloud passkey support stands out the most. This feature lets you log in to compatible sites using your Apple account credentials. Instead of trying to remember several complicated passwords, you can simply authenticate using the fingerprint sensor with Touch ID or facial recognition through Face ID on your Mac. It puts Atlas on more equal footing with browsers like Safari and Chrome, which have offered the same secure login option for a while now.
Organization and Customization
For people who tend to keep far too many tabs open at once, the new vertical tabs layout might be a welcome change. The tab bar moves from the top of the window to a side panel, and that small shift makes page titles much easier to scan. It may also feel familiar if you have used other browsers like Microsoft Edge or Arc. In that sense, its arrival on Atlas makes the browser feel a bit more accommodating for heavier or more chaotic browsing habits.
Another frequently requested feature has finally arrived: the option to set Google as the default search engine. Previously, Atlas pushed users toward its AI-driven search results, which were helpful in some scenarios but not always what people expected. Now you can choose to send address bar searches directly to Google. It creates a blend of the familiar and the experimental that might help the browser feel more grounded.
Making the Switch Easier
OpenAI has also added an extension import tool to make moving from Chrome or Safari less tedious. When you install Atlas, you can carry over your existing extensions from Chrome or Microsoft Edge. This means you do not have to hunt down ad blockers, password managers, or productivity add-ons one by one. It is a small thing but one that lowers friction for anyone considering a switch.
The update also introduces a couple of new shortcuts. Control + Tab lets you cycle through your most recently used tabs, and Shift + Click allows you to select and move multiple tabs at once. It is the kind of convenience that, over time, becomes second nature.
User Reactions
Early reactions on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have been a mix of enthusiasm and caution. Some users say the steady flow of updates makes Atlas feel, as one person put it, “less like a demo and more like a daily driver.” The addition of vertical tabs and Google search seems to be especially appreciated.
That said, some people are still uneasy about privacy. Because Atlas is an AI-first browser, it can read the content of web pages to offer summaries or extra assistance. OpenAI notes that users remain in control of what data is shared, but privacy-conscious individuals on forums have expressed concern about giving an AI company that level of access to their browsing activity. It is understandable, and perhaps it will take a bit more clarity or reassurance before everyone feels entirely comfortable.
Overall, the update makes Atlas feel a little more practical and a bit more familiar, even if some questions linger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is ChatGPT Atlas the same as the ChatGPT Mac app?
A: No. The ChatGPT Mac app is a standalone application for chatting with the AI. ChatGPT Atlas is a fully functional web browser (like Chrome) that lets you visit websites while having AI features integrated into the experience.
Q: Is the ChatGPT Atlas browser free to use?
A: Yes, the browser is free to download and use. However, some advanced AI features within the browser may require a ChatGPT Plus subscription.
Q: Can I use my Chrome extensions on ChatGPT Atlas?
A: Yes. Since Atlas is built on the same engine as Chrome (Chromium), it supports most Chrome extensions. The new update also lets you import them automatically.
Q: Is ChatGPT Atlas available for Windows users?
A: Currently, ChatGPT Atlas is only available for macOS. OpenAI has mentioned that a Windows version is in development, but no specific release date has been set.
Q: How do I enable vertical tabs in Atlas?
A: You can switch to vertical tabs by going to the browser’s Settings menu, selecting Tab Style, and choosing Vertical Tabs.
Q: Is it safe to use iCloud passkeys on a third-party browser like Atlas?
A: Yes. Passkeys are highly secure. When you use them, the browser only receives a digital “token” to verify your identity; it never sees or stores your actual password or biometric data.
