Opera launches WebAI to run AI models in browsers

Browser maker Opera has launched a new web standard called WebAI. It lets users run AI models right in the browser, with no cloud needed. The standard works with open-weight models like Google's Gemma, and on Macs it can also tap into Apple's on-device foundation model.

WebAI is now live as an early preview in the Opera One browser. The gaming browser Opera GX and the AI-agent browser Opera Neon will get it soon. Users need to opt in to turn the feature on.

Opera says privacy is a key benefit. Open-weight models are usually free to use. Data handled by local AI stays on the user's device, so no personal info goes to company servers, and there is no cloud subscription to pay for.

There is a trade-off, though. Running models locally uses the computer's own resources, which can add load and slow things down. Actual performance depends on the device's hardware.