For the first time in 22 years, searches on Apple’s Safari browser have gone down. That’s according to Apple’s Senior Vice President Eddy Cue, who told a federal judge that Safari usage took a hit last month, The Verge reports.

During a court hearing related to Google’s antitrust case, Cue pointed to AI as the reason behind the drop. “I believe that AI search providers will eventually replace standard search engines like Google,” Cue said. He suggested that users are moving toward AI tools like ChatGPT for direct answers, instead of typing queries into a search engine.

Apple weighs new search partners as Google deal comes under pressure

Google is still the default search engine on Safari. Google reportedly pays Apple around $20 billion a year to remain the default, which analysts estimate is about 36% of the ad revenue generated from searches on Safari. But that deal is now under scrutiny. U.S. regulators are calling for a ban on these kinds of default search engine agreements as part of possible antitrust penalties. 

The Justice Department has proposed forcing Google to sell off Chrome and take other steps that could change its search dominance, including its relationship with Apple. Judge Amit Mehta is expected to rule on the matter by August.

With the case still ongoing, Apple says it will consider other AI search options like Perplexity and Anthropic. Cue confirmed that Apple is in talks with Perplexity and has had internal conversations about expanding its AI search capabilities. ChatGPT is already an option in Siri.

However, Cue said Apple’s current position is complicated. He noted that he has “lost a lot of sleep” over what it would mean to lose Google’s revenue share, even as AI search alternatives continue to gain traction. Despite these concerns, he also said that Google still offers Apple “the best financial terms.”

‍

Get Smarter at Marketing
The Keyword weekly update → your inbox
Writer, The Keyword
Nelson Oboh
HOME PAGE
Apple

‍

01
How can your services help improve my website's performance?
Our services enhance your website's performance by optimizing load times, improving user experience, and ensuring seamless functionality across all devices. We specialize in custom Webflow builds that are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your site is both visually appealing and highly efficient.
02
What is the process for starting a project with your team?
Our process begins with an initial consultation to understand your goals and requirements. We then conduct a thorough analysis of your current setup, followed by a collaborative planning phase where we outline the project scope and timeline. Once the plan is approved, our team gets to work on designing and developing your custom Webflow solution.
03
How do you ensure the security of the websites you develop?
We ensure the security of the websites we develop by implementing robust security protocols, including SSL encryption, regular security audits, and secure coding practices. Our team stays updated with the latest security trends and threats to proactively protect your site from vulnerabilities.
04
What support do you offer after a project is completed?
After a project is completed, we offer comprehensive support to ensure your website continues to perform optimally. This includes regular maintenance checks, updates to keep your site secure and up-to-date, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Our team is always available to provide guidance and assistance as needed.
05
What is your approach to handling website redesigns?
Our approach to website redesigns involves a comprehensive analysis of your current site to identify areas for improvement. We prioritize user experience and performance, ensuring that the redesign aligns with your brand's goals and enhances functionality. By leveraging the capabilities of Webflow, we create visually stunning and efficient websites tailored to your specific needs.