OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Search, an advanced web search feature for its ChatGPT platform, launching initially for paid users. This update, following months of speculation around the anticipated SearchGPT, enables users to conduct searches directly within the chatbot. ChatGPT Search, integrated seamlessly with the AI interface, allows users to activate web searches manually by tapping a globe icon or let it trigger automatically when needed. This feature stands out by drawing responses directly from live web content, providing clear citations that users can click to visit source URLs.

In a blog announcement, OpenAI described how the feature fills a critical gap, matching similar search abilities in competing AI platforms like Gemini and Copilot. Previous ChatGPT versions supported web search, but lacked direct user control and source transparency, issues now addressed by the new Search feature. Testers from Gadgets 360 report that ChatGPT Search is impressively fast and responsive, quickly delivering answers with sources prominently displayed, enhancing user trust and transparency.

Initially, the feature is available to ChatGPT Plus and Teams users, with broader access planned for Enterprise and Edu users in the coming weeks and free-tier users in the following months. This expansion of ChatGPT’s functionality positions OpenAI more competitively against tools like Google’s AI Overviews and Perplexity AI.