Apple Plans AI-Powered Search for Safari
▼ Summary
– Apple is considering integrating AI search engines from OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic into Safari, according to a Bloomberg report.
– Eddy Cue revealed this during testimony in the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against Alphabet, discussing Apple’s $20 billion deal with Google for default search on Safari.
– Cue noted Safari searches declined for the first time last month, attributing the drop to rising AI usage.
– He believes AI search providers will eventually replace traditional engines like Google, prompting Apple to explore adding them to Safari, though not as defaults yet.
– Apple has already held discussions with Perplexity about potential integration.
Apple is reportedly exploring the integration of AI-powered search tools from leading providers like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic into its Safari browser. The move signals a potential shift in how users interact with search functionality as artificial intelligence continues to reshape digital experiences.
During recent testimony in the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust case against Alphabet, Apple’s Senior VP of Services, Eddy Cue, revealed that Safari saw its first-ever decline in search activity last month. He linked this trend to the growing adoption of AI-driven alternatives, suggesting users may be turning to smarter, more conversational tools for information retrieval.
Cue acknowledged Apple’s lucrative $20 billion annual agreement with Google, which currently makes it Safari’s default search engine. However, he emphasized that AI-powered search providers could eventually displace traditional engines, prompting Apple to evaluate partnerships with companies like Perplexity. While discussions are underway, Cue cautioned that these AI solutions aren’t yet ready to become defaults, citing room for improvement in accuracy and usability.
The remarks highlight Apple’s strategic interest in staying ahead of evolving search trends. As AI continues to advance, integrating these tools into Safari could offer users faster, more intuitive ways to find information—potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for search engines.
(Source: TechCrunch)
