Google’s Secret Browser ‘Webium’ Could Replace Chrome in the Age of AI and Antitrust

Google has launched an experimental browser prototype called Webium, built using HTML-based WebUI instead of Chrome’s native Skia interface, and has quietly been under development since at least 2024. Unlike Chrome, which dominates the global browser market with roughly two‑thirds share, Webium’s code commits suggest it may emerge as a fully supported browser rather than just an internal experiment.

One key reason behind Webium’s creation could be Google’s shift toward AI-first browsing. As generative tools like Gemini gain prominence, Webium might be designed to seamlessly integrate AI-driven features directly into the browsing experience—blurring the line between assistant and interface. This aligns with growing competition from other AI-native browsers like Dia, Comet, and even rumored projects from OpenAI.

Another possible motivation is regulatory pressure. In August 2024, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust law by leveraging Chrome to maintain dominance in search. A proposed remedy includes mandating Google to divest Chrome. In that context, Webium could serve as a modular, lightweight alternative that isn’t bound to Google’s existing search and ad infrastructure—a strategic hedge against potential breakup scenarios.

Though the Webium source is still minimal, early commits hint that Google is not merely prototyping UI ideas but seriously exploring a next‑generation browser architecture. Reddit chatter confirms genuine community interest, with users noting that the project “started working on an experimental prototyping browser called ‘Webium’” and viewing it as Google signaling a deeper shift in product strategy.

However, Webium remains speculative. Google hasn’t made an official announcement, and the browser lacks a user-facing build or clear roadmap. It could be shelved, repurposed, or merged back into Chrome in time. Yet even in its embryonic phase, Webium draws attention because it represents a radical departure: an AI-aligned browser potentially untethered from Google’s core ad-dependent model.

In short, Webium may not just be a technological novelty—it could be a preemptive move addressing shifting AI trends and global antitrust concerns. Whether it ultimately becomes a standalone browser or remains a source-level side project, its existence underscores Google’s readiness to rethink the future of web interaction.

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