Apple May Launch AI Web Search to Compete with Google, Siri Upgrade
It seems Apple is stepping up its game in the AI arena, and this time, it might be taking on Google directly. Word on the street is that they're developing their own search platform. This could be a pretty big deal.
According to reports, this search tool, internally dubbed "World Knowledge Answers," could be integrated into various Apple products. Think about it: a smarter Siri, a more powerful Safari browser, and a revamped Spotlight search on your iPhone. It's all part of Apple's plan to inject some much-needed AI muscle into its ecosystem.
Let's be honest, Apple's initial foray into AI, with the unveiling of Apple Intelligence, was a bit underwhelming. Since then, it seems like they've been scrambling to catch up with the likes of Google and Microsoft. The revamped, AI-powered Siri isn't expected to arrive until 2026, which feels like an eternity in the tech world. This search tool could be a crucial piece of that puzzle, potentially launching next spring as part of Siri's grand re-entrance.
What's interesting is that Apple seems open to exploring different options for its AI assistant. They've reportedly even tested using Google's Gemini to power a version of Siri, which is quite a surprising move, considering they are fierce competitors. Considering an outside partnership for this critical feature is one path Apple could take to bolstering its AI offerings.
Tim Cook himself has hinted at potential acquisitions to accelerate their AI roadmap. There were even whispers about Apple potentially acquiring Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine. Now, while Apple has historically steered clear of the search business, the rise of AI chatbots is changing the landscape. More and more people are turning to these AI assistants to find information online. It's a trend Apple can't afford to ignore.
If Apple manages to pull this off, it could give them a significant edge in the battle for AI supremacy. Imagine having an AI-powered search option directly integrated into Safari, then Apple might be able to compete more directly to other tech majors that offer their own-branded chatbots, such as Google with Gemini or Microsoft with Copilot. It could also draw closer to parity with AI companies that are entering the browser game, such as Perplexity and OpenAI.
Source: Engadget