OpenAI may be preparing to launch its long-rumored AI-native web browser, internally codenamed “Aura,” according to recently surfaced evidence found in ChatGPT’s source code.
Highlights
- ‘Aura’ Browser Leaks: References to a new AI-native browser, codenamed Aura, have been discovered in the ChatGPT interface code—suggesting development is well underway.
- Code Clues Include: Terms like “is Aura”, “Aura sidebar”, and “AndroidChrome” indicate browser-specific features and UI logic likely tied to a custom-built OpenAI browsing experience.
- Chromium-Based, AI-First Design: Aura is reportedly built on the Chromium engine, but will feature deep integration with OpenAI’s tools, such as its “Operator” agent for task automation, summaries, and context-aware suggestions.
- More Than a Plugin: Instead of building extensions for Chrome, OpenAI is opting for full control via a native browser—enabling tighter integration with browsing behavior, user interface, and AI capabilities.
- Strategic Chrome Rival: Aura could challenge Google’s dominance in web browsing by creating an alternative AI-centric user experience—sidestepping Chrome’s data ecosystem and monetization strategies.
- Task-Oriented Interaction: The browser is expected to support advanced features like autofilling forms, answering webpage questions, and executing complex commands directly within the browsing interface.
- Privacy + Training Implications: Aura could provide OpenAI with first-party user data—useful for training models and refining products—while competing in areas like AI-enhanced search and contextual browsing.
- Launch Window Hinted: Though not confirmed, functional references in production code and previous reports point to a potential public reveal in mid to late 2025.
The clues suggest that development is well underway for a browser with deeply integrated generative AI capabilities.
Evidence from ChatGPT’s Codebase
The discovery was made by Tibor Blaho, lead engineer at AIPRM, who shared screenshots on X highlighting multiple references to “Aura” embedded within the ChatGPT web interface.
These include mentions of “AndroidChrome,” “is Aura,” and an “Aura sidebar,” indicating browser-specific logic and interface components that point to a custom browser in the works.
Notably, one piece of code refers to “in Aura”, which may hint at a distinct browsing environment or rendering mode tailored for this AI-first experience.
The inclusion of terms like “Aura sidebar” reinforces previous speculation that the browser would feature an embedded AI assistant capable of providing real-time support—such as summarizing webpages, answering questions, or managing multi-step tasks while browsing.
What Aura Might Offer?
While OpenAI has yet to officially confirm the project, several reports and code-level leaks suggest that Aura is being built on Chromium, the open-source engine that powers browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
This would provide a strong foundation for cross-platform compatibility while enabling OpenAI to build custom experiences atop a familiar framework.
The browser is expected to integrate OpenAI’s “Operator” agent, allowing users to perform complex tasks directly within the browsing environment—such as auto-filling forms, scheduling appointments, or offering contextual recommendations without switching tabs.
This approach shifts web navigation from passive information consumption to active, AI-assisted interaction.
Competing in the Chrome-Dominated Ecosystem
According to reports from Reuters, Aura is more than a standalone browser—it represents a strategic move to challenge Google’s Chrome ecosystem.
Chrome remains a key gateway for Google’s data collection and ad-targeting business. Aura, if successful, could offer OpenAI a way to access real-world user behavior data directly—potentially informing future model training or new service offerings.
This direction mirrors broader industry trends. Companies like Perplexity, The Browser Company (Arc), and Microsoft’s Edge with Copilot are all attempting to reimagine the browser as an AI-driven assistant rather than a static window to the web.
Why OpenAI Is Building a Browser Instead of a Plugin
While AI assistants can function as browser extensions, OpenAI’s development of a full browser suggests a desire for deeper integration and control. Unlike plug-ins, a native browser offers:
- Direct access to browsing behavior and context
- More consistent user interfaces and performance
- Opportunities to shape user experience at the foundational level
This could be particularly important for OpenAI as it explores business models outside of API usage and ChatGPT subscriptions—such as AI-enhanced search or contextual ad frameworks.
Although no official release date has been confirmed, the presence of functional references in production code suggests the project may be nearing a public unveiling. Previous reports indicated a potential launch in mid-2025, and the recent discoveries lend credibility to that timeline.
