Abishek D Praphullalumar
Apple is reportedly exploring AI-powered search integrations for Safari as it prepares for the possible end of its $20 billion-per-year search deal with Google. During an antitrust trial, Apple SVP Eddy Cue revealed that the company is “actively looking” at AI-based search alternatives, citing a decline in Safari searches this April as users increasingly turn to AI for information.
Cue suggested that AI search engines like OpenAI, Perplexity AI, and Anthropic PBC could be added as options in Safari, though none are expected to become the default for now. Talks are already underway with Perplexity AI, while OpenAI’s ChatGPT is integrated into Siri, and Google’s Gemini AI might follow by late 2025.
The looming court decision could not only alter Apple’s search strategy but also impact Visual Intelligence, which recently integrated Google Lens for visual search. While Cue remains hopeful of maintaining the Google deal, the company is preparing to diversify Safari’s search ecosystem in an increasingly AI-driven market.
