Safari’s Search Shift: Apple Eyes AI Engines

Apple is reportedly considering integrating AI-powered search engines such as OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic into its Safari browser, according to a Bloomberg report cited by TechCrunch.

The revelation came during testimony by Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, in the ongoing U.S. Department of Justice antitrust case against Google. Cue disclosed that Apple is exploring alternatives to its long-standing deal with Google, which pays the tech giant nearly $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine on Safari.

Cue noted that for the first time last month, search volumes in Safari experienced a decline, a shift he attributed to the growing adoption of AI-based technologies. “In the future, AI search engines may replace conventional ones like Google,” he stated, though he also emphasized that these AI services are not yet developed enough to be set as default options.

The move signals Apple’s increasing interest in evolving search experiences, as AI tools continue to reshape how users seek and interact with information.