OpenAI released the first major update for ChatGPT Atlas on Mac, and the browser now feels more complete. The update brings nine new features that improve the layout, add missing tools, and smooth out daily use. You see these changes right away because Atlas now supports vertical tabs that resize inside an adjustable sidebar.
The update also improves how you manage downloads. The new interface gives you clearer controls, and the whole panel feels easier to use. In his post on X, product lead Adam Fry confirmed that Atlas packs nine upgrades in total, and this helps users understand where the browser is heading.
New Features Arrive
As you move through the settings, you find a big addition. Atlas now supports iCloud passkeys. You can create and store passkeys for websites in iCloud, and you can use them the next time you log in. Sites that offer passkey upgrades should work as well, making the shift from passwords less painful.
Atlas also lets you import Chrome extensions. This matters because many people rely on their existing setup, and now they can bring it over. You can also set Google as the default search engine, which gives users more flexibility. Along with that, Atlas adds shortcuts like Shift plus click to select multiple tabs and Control plus Tab to jump to your most recent tab.
A More Responsive Sidebar
The Ask ChatGPT sidebar responds faster after the update. You notice quicker suggestions and fewer delays when you type your questions. This change helps the browser feel more polished.
While Chrome already uses AI inside the browser and Perplexity is moving in the same direction, Apple still keeps Safari without built-in AI tools. With OpenAI expanding Atlas and Google pushing its own AI features, Apple faces more pressure to act.
OpenAI launched ChatGPT Atlas last month, and early users pointed out missing basics. Today’s update fixes many of those gaps and makes the browser easier to adopt.
You can download Atlas for macOS and try the new features right away.
