ChatGPT Atlas receives another major update, further solidifying its position as an AI-powered browser for macOS. The new version focuses primarily on improved browsing organization, more flexible search capabilities, and numerous detailed interface enhancements. The goal is to integrate traditional web search and AI features even more seamlessly, while simultaneously streamlining everyday Mac use.
Since its launch, ChatGPT Atlas has been evolving step by step from an experimental project into a fully-fledged browser. The first major update, released in November, introduced vertical tabs, support for iCloud Passkeys, and Google as the default search engine. This latest update builds on that foundation, delivering features that are particularly relevant for everyday use. The focus is clearly on productivity, clarity, and seamless performance on macOS.
Tab groups bring more structure
One of the key new features is tab groups. These allow you to group open tabs thematically, for example, by project, topic, or usage context. This makes it easier to manage multiple browsing sessions simultaneously without constantly losing track. Especially when combined with vertical tabs, working with many open pages becomes significantly clearer.
Additionally, the update fixes issues with the vertical tab mini mode. Previously, this mode exhibited display or usability errors in certain situations. With these fixes, tab navigation now runs more stably and consistently.
Revised context menus for tabs and address bar
The user interface has also been improved. The context menu for tabs, which opens with a right-click, has been simplified. Fewer nested options and a clearer structure ensure that frequently used functions are more quickly accessible.
The same principle applies to the address bar's context menu. Here, too, ChatGPT Atlas now relies on a reduced selection focused on the essentials. The result is a generally calmer and more efficient user experience.
Auto mode: Intelligent search between ChatGPT and Google
A particularly important feature of the update is the new "Auto" mode for search. ChatGPT Atlas automatically decides whether a query is better answered via ChatGPT or Google. Depending on the search intent, the browser switches in the background between AI-powered answers and classic web searches.
This means that explanatory, summarizing, or contextual questions are answered directly by ChatGPT, while classic search queries with many external sources continue to be routed through Google. Manual switching between search modes is therefore completely eliminated.
New vertical layout for search results
In parallel, the display of search results was redesigned. A new vertical layout ensures that links within answers are more visible. Sources can be identified and opened more quickly without getting lost in the text.
Especially with longer answers or more complex topics, this layout improves orientation and makes the combination of AI response and classic research more transparent.
Improvements for Safari switchers
Users switching from Safari to ChatGPT Atlas will now be specifically prompted to install the iCloud password extension during setup. This allows them to continue using existing passwords conveniently without having to switch browsers.
In addition, the update brings several smaller but important improvements. These include general bug fixes, updated translations, and support for macOS text replacement directly on websites. The latter allows system-wide text shortcuts to be used in the browser as well.
ChatGPT Atlas: Availability, platform plans and outlook
Currently, ChatGPT Atlas is only available for macOS. However, OpenAI has confirmed that versions for Windows, iOS, and Android are planned. Specific release dates have not yet been announced.
The latest updates clearly demonstrate the direction in which the browser is evolving. ChatGPT Atlas is increasingly focusing on a close integration of AI functions, traditional web search, and system integration. This latest update is another step towards a fully-fledged, production-ready browser. (Image: Shutterstock / Evolf)
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