Tech Desk 
May 08, 2025
As Google has been dominating the landscape of search engines and web searches for most of the internet's history, it appears that Apple is gearing up to step up its web searching game and dethrone Google for good.
The iPhone maker is reportedly planning to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) search capabilities into its feature-rich Safari browser, shaking up the tech industry as the AI integration seems to have the potential to affect Google’s dominance in online search space.
Following the announcement of Safari receiving AI search features, Google-parent Alphabet's shares slipped 7.3% on Tuesday, erasing around $150 billion in market value.
Reports emerging on the internet suggested that Apple was “actively looking at” enhancing Safari by including its own AI-powered search tools, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The source outlined that Safari search volumes declined for the first time last month, as users shifted towards AI-assisted alternatives.
On the other hand, Google highlighted growth in its search volume, which it attributed to increased usage of visual and voice queries. “People are seeing that Google Search is more useful for more of their queries,” the company said in a blog post.
The move suggests Apple could reduce its reliance on Google, which currently pays an estimated $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine on Apple devices.
Whatsoever be the case, experts and industry insiders believe that Apple’s next move is expected to change the way millions of people access the internet.
