OpenAI explains what will happen when ChatGPT Atlas shuts down this weekend

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.

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. ChatGPT is the new ChatGPT Atlas 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. OpenAI 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. The 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. Cookies may have export options where available. ChatGPT conversation history is stored separately and will remain available. AI browser alternatives OpenAI 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. The 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. There 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. Do more with your Apple products Apple AirTag 2 | Add Find My tracking to keys, bags, bikes, more https://amzn.to/4vjNWN1 AirPods 4 | Apple’s newest wireless headphones https://amzn.to/43ndewV AirPods Pro 3 | Apple’s best wireless headphones https://amzn.to/4ut3FYp Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable | The official CarPlay cable https://amzn.to/4mpKs7K FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. https://9to5mac.com/about/ affiliate our homepage http://9to5mac.com/ for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on exclusive stories https://9to5mac.com/feature/exclusive/ , reviews https://9to5mac.com/guides/review/ , how-tos https://9to5mac.com/guides/how-to/ , and subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/9to5mac