Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by factkeeps
Apple is in discussions to integrate AI-powered search engines from OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic into its Safari browser, according to a report by Bloomberg on Wednesday. The development, revealed during a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust trial, underscores Apple’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence in response to evolving user behavior.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, disclosed the company’s AI plans while testifying in the ongoing lawsuit against Alphabet, Google’s parent company. The case focuses on the multibillion-dollar deal—estimated at $20 billion annually—that makes Google the default search engine across Apple devices via Safari.
During his testimony, Cue highlighted a pivotal shift: for the first time, the number of searches conducted via Safari declined last month. Cue attributed this drop to the growing popularity of AI-driven services that provide direct answers to user queries, reducing reliance on traditional keyword-based search engines.
In response, Apple is exploring how it can incorporate AI search platforms directly into Safari. “AI will eventually replace traditional search,” Cue said. “That’s why we’re actively looking at integrating providers like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic. But while promising, they still need to mature before they can serve as a default.”
Among the AI search companies mentioned, Apple has already begun preliminary conversations with Perplexity, a fast-growing startup that combines large language models with web-based factual retrieval. Known for its conversational interface and source-cited answers, Perplexity has been positioning itself as a next-generation alternative to Google.
Apple’s interest in Perplexity aligns with a broader industry trend. Just days ago, Motorola announced a partnership with Perplexity to make it the default AI assistant on its upcoming line of smartphones. This marks a significant shift in how mobile device makers are rethinking digital assistance, moving beyond legacy systems like Google Assistant and Siri.
By embedding generative AI into core user experiences—whether in browsers or on mobile devices—tech companies aim to offer more personalized and efficient interactions. Perplexity’s ability to deliver quick, summarized responses from the web without ad clutter is particularly appealing to manufacturers and users alike.
Apple’s move also reflects a strategic hedge against its dependency on Google Search, which has been a point of contention in regulatory scrutiny. The DOJ lawsuit alleges that Google’s payment to Apple stifles competition and innovation in the search space. By openly considering AI-powered alternatives, Apple could potentially weaken the argument that it is locking out competitors.
Still, Cue made it clear that any such integrations would not immediately supplant Google as the default. “We think these AI models need more refinement before they’re ready for prime time,” he said. “But we’re watching the space closely.”
The integration of generative AI into everyday search reflects a broader transformation in how users seek information—less through typed queries and more through direct, context-rich conversations. With giants like Apple and Motorola now moving in this direction, the AI search race is poised to accelerate rapidly.
With AI Inputs: This article was assisted by generative AI tools to summarize complex legal testimony, provide background on AI search technologies, and contextualize emerging industry trends.
