WebLLM Roadmap

WebLLM is on a journey to make AI a native part of the web platform. This roadmap outlines our current status, near-term goals, and long-term vision.

Current Status: Chrome Extension & SDK

Status: ✅ Available Now

We’re currently in the Chrome Extension phase, where WebLLM works through a browser extension that provides the navigator.llm API to web pages. The extension manages providers, handles permissions, and provides a unified API for AI capabilities.

What’s Next

We’re focused on expanding the capabilities and reach of the extension while continuing to validate the API design.

Browser Support

Exploring support for additional browsers beyond Chrome. Firefox is the natural next step, followed by other Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave). Safari presents unique technical challenges we’re investigating.

Extended Capabilities

Core improvements:

Streaming responses for real-time generation
Vision support for image analysis
Multi-modal model handling
Cost optimization and smart provider routing
Conversation memory and context management

Developer tooling:

Framework-specific integrations (React hooks, Vue composables, Svelte stores)
Testing utilities and mock providers
Enhanced debugging tools
Better documentation and examples

Standardization Path

W3C Engagement

As the extension matures and gains adoption, we plan to engage with the W3C standardization process. This involves:

Drafting a complete technical specification
Security and privacy analysis
Presenting to the Web Incubator Community Group
Gathering feedback from browser vendors
Iterating based on real-world usage and vendor input

Web standards take time and require demonstrated demand, technical maturity, and vendor buy-in. The extension serves as a proving ground for the API design.

Platform Expansion

See: Platform Support Roadmap

Exploring support beyond web browsers:

Desktop application integration (Electron, Tauri)
Mobile browser support
Native mobile SDKs

Long-Term Vision

Native Browser Integration

The ultimate goal is for navigator.llm to be built directly into browsers, without requiring an extension. This would mean:

For users:

Seamless integration without installation
System-level key and model management
Better performance and privacy controls

For developers:

Universal API that works everywhere
Wider adoption and reach
Simplified integration

For the web:

AI as a standard web capability, like WebGL or WebRTC
Open, interoperable, vendor-neutral

Each browser vendor would implement the standard according to their architecture and priorities. The path to native integration depends on demonstrating value, achieving technical maturity, and earning vendor support.

Advanced Capabilities

Looking further ahead, standardized browser AI could enable:

Agentic systems with multi-step reasoning
Privacy-preserving personalization and fine-tuning
Collaborative learning approaches
Advanced multi-modal capabilities

These remain research areas, dependent on both technical feasibility and careful consideration of privacy and security implications.

How You Can Help

As a User

Use WebLLM - Install and try it
Request support - Ask websites to add WebLLM
Provide feedback - Tell us what works and what doesn’t
Spread the word - Share with friends and communities

As a Developer

Build with WebLLM - Add AI to your projects
Share your experience - Write articles, tutorials
Contribute code - Submit PRs to improve WebLLM
Report bugs - Help us improve quality

As an Organization

Adopt WebLLM - Use it in your products
Sponsor development - Support the project financially
Contribute resources - Engineering time, infrastructure
Advocate - Talk to browser vendors

As a Browser Vendor

Engage with the spec - Review and provide feedback
Experiment - Implement origin trials
Commit - Help make WebLLM a standard

Roadmap Principles

How we make decisions:

1. User Control First

Users always have final say over:

Which providers to use
Where data goes
What gets shared

2. Privacy by Default

Privacy is not optional:

Local-first when possible
Transparent data flows
No tracking or telemetry

3. Developer Experience

Make it easy to build:

Simple, intuitive API
Great documentation
Helpful error messages

4. Open Standards

No lock-in:

Open specification
Open source implementation
Community-driven development

5. Backward Compatibility

Don’t break existing code:

Stable API guarantees
Clear migration paths
Versioned specifications

Stay Updated

Follow our progress on GitHub: iplanwebsites/webllm

Questions

Is this roadmap set in stone?

No. We adapt based on community feedback, technical realities, and vendor input. This is a living document that reflects our current thinking.

What about native browser integration?

Web standards require demonstrated value, technical maturity, and multi-vendor support. The timeline depends on many factors outside our control. The extension provides a practical path forward regardless.

Can I influence the roadmap?

Yes! We prioritize based on user feedback, developer adoption, and technical feasibility. Share your thoughts on GitHub Discussions.

Native Browser Integration - Deep dive on standardization
Platform Support - Desktop and mobile plans
Contributing - How to help build WebLLM

Together, we’re making AI a native part of the web. Join us!