{"slug": "openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend", "title": "OpenAI explains what will happen when ChatGPT Atlas shuts down this weekend", "summary": "OpenAI will shut down ChatGPT Atlas, its standalone web browser for Mac, on August 9, directing users to the built-in browser in the ChatGPT desktop app and its Chrome extension. Atlas bookmarks will not transfer automatically, so users must export them as HTML files before the deadline. The company recommends the ChatGPT desktop app's built-in browser for most tasks, while the Chrome extension suits users with existing Chrome profiles.", "body_md": "It’s the end of a very short road for ChatGPT Atlas, OpenAI’s dedicated web browser for Mac. OpenAI has shared details about what happens when ChatGPT Atlas shuts down this weekend.\n\n## ChatGPT is the new ChatGPT Atlas\n\n[As we reported in July](https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/09/openai-is-discontinuing-chatgpt-atlas-its-standalone-desktop-browser/), OpenAI is discontinuing its standalone Atlas browser in favor of browser tools built into the new ChatGPT desktop app. Atlas is scheduled to stop working on August 9 following a brief wind-down period.\n\nOpenAI [warns](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001371-evolving-atlas-into-chatgpt-for-browser-based-agentic-work) that Atlas may no longer open, browse, or support agentic workflows after that date. Because the discontinued browser will not continue receiving security updates, users will want to move to a supported alternative.\n\nThe transition may require some manual housekeeping for some. Atlas bookmarks will not transfer automatically. OpenAI recommends exporting bookmarks as an HTML file and saving important pages before Sunday’s deadline.\n\nCookies may have export options where available. ChatGPT conversation history is stored separately and will remain available.\n\n## AI browser alternatives\n\nOpenAI is directing users toward the new ChatGPT desktop app. Its [built-in browser](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001277-using-the-built-in-browser-in-the-chatgpt-desktop-app) supports multiple tabs, downloads, website logins, autofill, password management, extensions, and persistent browser state. However, it’s not exactly a browser-first experience.\n\nThe company recommends its Chrome extension when a task requires an existing Chrome profile, signed-in session, open tabs, or other extensions. ChatGPT’s desktop app also includes a “computer use” functionality that can optionally let it control Safari when granted permission.\n\nThere are [plenty of other AI browser options](https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/10/with-chatgpt-atlas-shutting-down-here-are-the-ai-browsers-people-actually-use/) on the Mac, including Comet, Dia, Opera Neon, and Aside. Anthropic is taking a [similar two-track approach](https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/10/anthropic-highlights-claude-codes-in-app-browser-on-the-desktop/): Claude Code offers a sandboxed in-app browser, while its Chrome extension can work with existing logged-in sessions.\n\n**Do more with your Apple products**\n\n[Apple AirTag 2 | Add Find My tracking to keys, bags, bikes, more](https://amzn.to/4vjNWN1)\n\n[AirPods 4 | Apple’s newest wireless headphones](https://amzn.to/43ndewV)\n\n[AirPods Pro 3 | Apple’s best wireless headphones](https://amzn.to/4ut3FYp)\n\n[Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable | The official CarPlay cable](https://amzn.to/4mpKs7K)\n\n*FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.* [More.](https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)\n\n[our homepage](http://9to5mac.com/)for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on\n\n[exclusive stories](https://9to5mac.com/feature/exclusive/),\n\n[reviews](https://9to5mac.com/guides/review/),\n\n[how-tos](https://9to5mac.com/guides/how-to/), and\n\n[subscribe to our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/9to5mac)", "url": "https://wpnews.pro/news/openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend", "canonical_source": "https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/04/openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend/", "published_at": "2026-08-04 16:12:35+00:00", "updated_at": "2026-08-04 16:51:51.409760+00:00", "lang": "en", "topics": ["ai-products", "ai-tools", "ai-agents"], "entities": ["OpenAI", "ChatGPT Atlas", "ChatGPT", "Chrome", "Anthropic", "Claude Code", "Comet", "Dia"], "alternates": {"html": "https://wpnews.pro/news/openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend", "markdown": "https://wpnews.pro/news/openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend.md", "text": "https://wpnews.pro/news/openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend.txt", "jsonld": "https://wpnews.pro/news/openai-explains-what-will-happen-when-chatgpt-atlas-shuts-down-this-weekend.jsonld"}}