Apple is exploring the integration of AI-based search engines, such as those from OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic, into its Safari browser. Eddie Cue, Apple’s senior vice president, believes that AI search could eventually replace traditional search engines like Google, as reported by Bloomberg.

This statement was made during testimony in the U.S. Justice Department's case against Google, which discussed agreements between the two companies worth around $20 billion, making Google the default search engine in Safari.

Cue mentioned that AI search will not be enabled by default but will be introduced in the browser eventually. He also indicated that Apple has already been in discussions with Perplexity.

Moreover, Cue revealed that the number of search queries in Safari dropped for the first time last month, attributing it to the rising use of AI instead of traditional search engines.

Apple already offers integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT in Siri, and it may expand its offerings with Google’s Gemini by the end of the year. Cue also pointed out that the company is considering integrating AI from DeepSeek and xAI.

Despite this, Cue is confident that Google should remain the default search engine in Safari, emphasizing the financial benefits of the current agreement.

Interestingly, Cue also suggested that iPhones might become obsolete in ten years due to the rapid advancement of AI technology.