The Rise of AI Web Browsers: What’s Available, What’s Coming, and Why It Matters

By Zack Huhn, Enterprise Technology Association

Web browsers have remained largely unchanged for decades—until now. As AI reshapes nearly every category of software, the humble web browser is being reimagined as something more intelligent, contextual, and proactive.

Welcome to the age of AI browsers.

What’s Available Today

Several companies are racing to redefine what a browser can do when AI is built in from the ground up. Here are some leading examples already on the market:

Arc Browser (The Browser Company)

Arc is more than a browser—it’s a productivity operating system. With a sleek interface and smart tools like “Browse for Me,” it uses AI to generate summaries and research pages tailored to your intent. It’s quickly becoming the go-to browser for knowledge workers and creative professionals.

Microsoft Edge (with Copilot)

Microsoft has turned Edge into a productivity powerhouse. With Copilot deeply integrated, Edge can summarize content, generate code, explain concepts, and guide workflows based on what you’re doing. For enterprises already in the Microsoft ecosystem, it’s a natural evolution.

Opera One (with Aria)

Opera’s AI assistant, Aria, is natively embedded and powered by OpenAI. It allows users to query content, summarize pages, and interact with AI without switching tools—ideal for casual users and AI-curious professionals.

Ghostwriter by Ghostery

A privacy-forward browser that integrates AI for content creation and summarization while minimizing data tracking. Ideal for users who want AI support without sacrificing control over their information.

SigmaOS

Built for multitaskers, creators, and operators, SigmaOS blends AI tools with productivity workflows and collaborative tabs, signaling the future of browser-as-workspace.

What’s Coming (and Who’s Coming)

Several major players are now stepping into the AI browser space, and they’re not just building assistants—they’re rethinking what a browser is.

Perplexity: The Answer Engine as a Browser

Perplexity’s mission is to organize the world’s knowledge through AI-powered research. It’s now developing a full AI-native browser experience—turning search, browsing, and summarization into a seamless flow. Perplexity’s engine already combines real-time web data with LLM capabilities, and its upcoming browser aims to take that experience full-screen.

OpenAI: The AI Browser Stack

While OpenAI hasn’t officially released a full browser, it has all the ingredients. With ChatGPT’s browsing capabilities, file uploads, and plugin ecosystem, it’s essentially operating as a headless browser. Expect OpenAI to roll out a full-stack AI browser experience or partnership soon—one that could redefine how we interact with the web.

Apple, Google, and Others

Rumors are swirling about Apple’s quiet work on AI-native browsing experiences through Safari and Siri integration. Meanwhile, Google has already begun infusing Chrome with Gemini-powered features like “Help me write” and smart summaries. More intelligent search integration, real-time translations, and generative task flows are on the roadmap.

What This Means for the Future

1. Browsers Become Assistants

You’ll no longer browse the web alone. AI browsers will serve as copilots—automating tasks, helping you think, and guiding you through research and decision-making in real time.

2. Autonomous Agents Will Browse for You

The future browser won’t just help you—it will do things for you. Multi-step actions like booking travel, sourcing vendors, or writing proposals will be handled by browser-based agents executing commands across the open web.

3. Vertical AI Browsers Will Proliferate

Niche browsers are coming—built for roles like lawyers, doctors, analysts, procurement officers, and developers. These will come preloaded with AI workflows and compliance filters tailored to each field.

4. Browsing Will Be Personalized and Persistent

Your AI browser will remember what you were doing, help you pick up where you left off, and suggest timely actions based on context. Knowledge graphs will power more intuitive, memory-driven interactions.

Why This Matters

The browser is the gateway to modern life and work. Embedding AI into that experience changes everything.

• Smarter Workflows: AI browsers reduce friction and streamline tasks, turning hours into minutes.

• Deeper Focus: Context-aware summaries and insights reduce the need to open 10 tabs and dig through clutter.

• Enterprise Enablement: Teams can standardize how information is gathered, validated, and acted upon—powered by secure, compliant, and role-specific AI.

• Redefining Search and Research: The web is no longer just a collection of pages—it’s a knowledge layer waiting to be unlocked with natural language and intent.

Final Thoughts

The next browser war is already underway—and it’s being fought with AI.

What used to be a window into the internet is fast becoming a command center for thought, action, and automation. Whether you’re a founder building in the space or a business leader navigating digital transformation, the evolution of AI browsers deserves your full attention.

At ETA, we’ll be tracking the landscape—and helping technology leaders stay ahead.

Join us at joineta.org for events, research, and resources to guide your AI journey.