Apple is developing an artificial intelligence-powered search engine that can generate instant answers for users, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. The company’s Answers, Knowledge and Information team is working on the project, which aims to create an AI-driven service that pulls information from online sources to answer general queries.
The move comes as Apple seeks to bolster its presence in the AI race, with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI investing heavily in AI development. While Apple has partnered with OpenAI for text generation and other AI applications on iPhones, this new search engine project suggests a more direct involvement in AI research.
The company is reportedly building an “answer engine” that could power Siri, Spotlight, and Safari, potentially replacing or complementing its existing search features. However, the development of a separate app or service cannot be confirmed at present.
A recent report hinted that Apple may acquire Perplexity, an AI company targeting Google with an AI-powered search engine. Such a move would strengthen Apple’s position in the AI market and reduce its reliance on Google.
Notably, Apple’s $20 billion per year deal with Google as the default search engine on Apple devices is under scrutiny after the Department of Justice sued the tech giant over allegations of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search. If the DOJ prevails, Apple could lose $12.5 billion in annual revenue if Google alters its business practices.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/apple-reportedly-working-on-a-chatgpt-like-search-experience