Apple SVP Claims Safari Searches Decline, Google Disputes

During Google's ongoing antitrust trial, Apple SVP Eddy Cue testified that April saw the first-ever decline in Safari search usage, attributing this to users shifting towards AI-driven alternatives like ChatGPT. This claim caused an immediate 8% drop in Google's stock, raising concerns about the future of Google's dominance in search and the lucrative $20 billion annual deal where Google pays Apple to be the default Safari search engine. Google swiftly rebutted Cue's statement, asserting in a blog post that overall search queries, including those from Apple devices and platforms, continue to grow, citing usage across browsers, apps, voice interfaces, and tools like Google Lens. The discrepancy may stem from Cue referring specifically to Safari-based searches, while Google’s data includes broader search engagement through other apps and interfaces on Apple devices. This context suggests Apple may be using the decline in Safari search to argue that Google's search monopoly is less absolute and that competition from AI alternatives is emerging, potentially influencing the court's view on the exclusivity of the Google-Apple search arrangement. Both companies have strong incentives: Apple to preserve its revenue from the deal while demonstrating growing competition, and Google to maintain its dominant search position amid increasing AI competition.