Could ChatGPT one day run on Chrome?
Imagine asking ChatGPT a question and getting your answers delivered straight through the world’s most popular browser, Chrome.
Sounds wild? Well, it’s not completely far-fetched.
OpenAI recently told a U.S. judge that if Google is ever required to sell Chrome, they’d be first in line to buy it.
This surprising statement came during a major antitrust trial that could reshape how we all interact with search and web tools.
Why Is Google in Hot Water?
This all stems from the U.S. government’s ongoing antitrust case against Google. The Department of Justice argues that Google has an unfair grip on the online search market.
Last year, Judge Amit Mehta agreed, labeling the company a “monopolist.”
Now, the case is in its next phase, figuring out how to fix that monopoly. One of the boldest suggestions? Breaking off Chrome from Google.
Google, for its part, isn’t backing down. It plans to appeal the monopoly ruling.
OpenAI’s Bold Interest in Chrome
At the trial, OpenAI’s head of product, Nick Turley, testified that they’d seriously consider snapping up Chrome if it became available.
Why?
It could help them deliver a smoother and smarter ChatGPT experience.
Here’s a fun fact: ChatGPT currently uses Bing (yep, Microsoft’s search engine) for web info. But according to Turley, that hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.
OpenAI has faced what he called “quality issues” with what he cryptically called “Provider No. 1” – a nod many believe points to Microsoft.
A Missed Opportunity with Google?
Turns out, OpenAI tried to team up with Google in the past. They wanted access to Google’s powerful search APIs to boost ChatGPT’s brainpower.
But Google wasn’t interested, and the partnership never happened.
Turley shared an internal email during the trial saying that OpenAI believed having access to Google’s API could help them offer better answers to users.
Sadly, that door seems to be closed for now.
OpenAI Is Also Building Its Own Search Engine
While OpenAI waits for the dust to settle, they’re not sitting still. The company has been quietly working on its own search index.
Their original goal?
Have ChatGPT rely on it for 80% of searches by the end of 2025. But now, even they admit that’s probably going to take a lot longer.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Current Status | OpenAI’s Future Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Web search provider | Bing | Possible mix (Google + custom) |
| Google partnership | No deal | Still a hope |
| Own search index | In development | Used for most searches |
So, What Happens Next?
Let’s be real. Google selling Chrome is still a long shot. But the fact that OpenAI is ready to jump in shows just how high the stakes are in the AI and search world.
Would you ever imagine a day where ChatGPT and Chrome work hand-in-hand? Maybe that future isn’t so far off after all.
