Opera's browser can now run AI on your own Mac, no account needed

Opera One, the web browser from Opera, can now run AI on your own computer instead of sending your requests to an online service. On a Mac, it can use Apple's built-in AI model. It also offers Google's Gemma model. It is a preview feature, it is opt-in, and it needs no subscription.

What changed

Opera says Opera One is the first of its browsers to get built-in access to local AI models. Local means the AI runs on your device, not on a company's servers. The feature relies on WebAI, a proposed web standard backed by companies such as Google and Microsoft. It lets websites and browser extensions use AI models through the browser.

What it can do

Opera says WebAI can be used for a few basic jobs:

• Generate text
• Classify content
• Identify relationships between pieces of information

Opera gives an example. An extension could sort your tabs, flag clickbait or spot relevant job posts using a model on your laptop. There would be no account, no fee and no data sent to an AI service. Opera has also released a set of example extensions for people who want to try it.

Control and privacy

Opera says the information the local AI handles stays on your device. You also choose which websites can access local AI models. That choice matters, because a site you allow can use the AI on your computer. Anyone who turns the feature on should review those site settings.

What is not known yet

Opera says Opera GX and Opera Neon will follow, but the material gives no dates. It also does not say which Macs are supported, how much computing power the models need, or how to switch the feature on. Because it is a preview, details may change.

Also launching: HTML-in-Canvas

Opera also launched HTML-in-Canvas today. It lets developers place real, working web pages inside 2D and 3D scenes, with buttons, menus and forms still usable. Opera built two demos, Webpage Bulldozer and Gamer Room. Both work in Opera browsers without extra setup.