Apple is making a bold move and it could shake up the internet as we know it. The tech giant is working on adding AI-powered search options to its Safari browser, and people are asking a big question:
Could this be the beginning of the end for Google’s search dominance?
What’s Apple Planning?
According to reports, Apple is testing out AI search tools that could soon be added to Safari, the web browser used on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These tools would give users more search options beyond just Google which has been the default search engine on Apple devices for years.
During a recent U.S. court case, Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, shared that Apple is talking to companies like OpenAI, Perplexity AI, and Anthropic. These companies are known for creating smart, AI-powered tools that can answer questions, find information quickly, and even have conversations with users.
In short: Apple wants to bring a more intelligent, AI-driven search experience directly into Safari.
Why This Matters for Google
Right now, Google pays Apple around $20 billion each year just to remain the default search engine on Safari. That deal is massive and it helps Google keep control of the search market on mobile devices.
But with Apple exploring new options, that deal could be at risk.
To make things more interesting, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity has already started changing how people search for information. Instead of typing in a question and scrolling through links, users can now ask an AI and get a straight answer fast.
This shift in behavior means that fewer people may rely on traditional search engines like Google in the future.
What’s Changing in Safari?
Apple hasn’t officially rolled out these AI-powered features yet, but some early ideas being discussed include:
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Giving users multiple search engine choices, including AI tools
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Adding AI features directly into the browser to help users find answers faster
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Making search more personalized and conversational
Imagine opening Safari, typing a question, and getting a smart, AI-powered response instead of just a list of websites. That’s the kind of future Apple is hinting at.
The Impact on Google Already Happening
After the news broke that Apple might be moving away from Google as the default, Google’s parent company Alphabet saw its stock drop by about 9%. That’s a pretty big deal and shows that investors are worried about what this could mean.
For over two decades, Google has been the go-to for internet searches. But now, the landscape is changing and Apple is in a powerful position to lead the change.
So, Will Apple Ditch Google Completely?
Not necessarily. At least not right away.
Apple hasn’t said that it will drop Google altogether. But by adding alternatives especially smart, AI-powered ones they’re giving users more freedom. That means less control for Google and more competition in the search space.
Think of it like this: If people start using AI tools more and search less with Google, Google loses its grip on billions of users especially iPhone users, who are a major part of their audience.
A Bigger Trend: AI Is Changing Everything
This move by Apple is part of a larger trend. We’re seeing AI being added to more and more tools from writing assistants to customer service bots to image creation tools.
Now, AI is making its way into how we search the internet. And Apple with its huge user base and influence might be the one to push this shift forward faster than anyone expected.
What This Means for You
As a regular user, here’s what you can expect:
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You may soon have more search engine options in Safari, not just Google.
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Searching for things might feel more like talking to a smart assistant than just clicking through links.
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You’ll likely see faster, more accurate answers to your questions thanks to AI.
And if Apple makes this move work well, other companies might follow meaning the way we all use the internet could look very different in just a few years.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s plan to add AI-powered search to Safari is big news. It could:
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Offer a better, faster way to search
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Give users more choice
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Put pressure on Google to innovate or risk losing ground
While nothing’s confirmed yet, it’s clear that Apple is preparing for a future where AI becomes a major part of how we search, learn, and interact online. And if anyone can challenge Google in this space, it’s Apple.
