Apple Bets on AI: Bringing ChatGPT and More to Safari
Apple is making a big move to keep up with the AI revolution, and it’s starting with Safari, its popular web browser. According to a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to add AI-powered search options to Safari, a move likely prompted by a recent dip in Safari searches.
Why the Change? Users are Embracing AI
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, revealed this plan during his testimony in the US Justice Department’s case against Google. Cue pointed out that April 2025 saw the first-ever decline in Safari searches, attributing it to users increasingly turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity for information. He believes these generative AI tools could eventually replace traditional search engines like Google.
Safari to Offer AI-Powered Search Options
To stay competitive, Apple is planning to integrate these AI tools directly into Safari. This means users will have the option to choose from a variety of AI-powered search engines within Safari itself. While these options won’t replace Google as the default search engine anytime soon, it’s a clear signal that Apple is embracing AI and wants to give users more choices.
Partnering with AI Experts
This isn’t Apple’s first foray into AI. They already partnered with ChatGPT to enhance Siri’s capabilities. This collaboration reportedly lets Apple use ChatGPT for free in exchange for giving OpenAI more visibility, potentially driving more users to become paying OpenAI subscribers. Cue has confirmed that Apple is also in talks with Perplexity, another powerful AI platform.
AI Search: The Future of Searching?
Cue believes that even if AI search tools aren’t perfect yet, their superior features will attract users. He expects a shift away from traditional search engines as large language models continue to improve. Despite this outlook, Cue acknowledges the financial benefits of the deal with Google and believes Google should remain the default search provider in Safari.
