Apple is considering a transformation of the Safari browsing experience by incorporating artificial intelligence. During the recent Google antitrust trial, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, indicated that the company is exploring the introduction of AI-powered search options to enhance its popular browser.

With advancements in technology, these features may be available within the next year. Cue acknowledged that the current AI search capabilities do not meet Apple’s high standards.

Notably, Apple has engaged in discussions with prominent players in the AI search sector, including Perplexity, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Reports suggest that Apple and Google are also negotiating to integrate Gemini into iPhones this year, which could make it a contender for inclusion in Safari.

This strategic openness reflects Apple’s desire to be agile and ready to switch between AI providers as new options become available. Their existing partnership with OpenAI, along with other AI platforms, provides flexibility to adapt to market shifts.

Cue’s testimony highlighted that Google pays Apple approximately $20 billion to keep its search engine as the default for Safari, indicating the financial stakes involved. In a concerning development, Cue revealed that Safari searches fell last month for the first time in 22 years.

This decline poses a challenge for Apple, as the company receives a portion of the advertising revenue generated from Google searches in Safari. Fewer searches directly translate to decreased income for Apple.

Overall, Apple is actively investigating how AI could improve the search experience in Safari. The potential introduction of these features may enhance user engagement and boost revenue for the company.

While details remain under consideration, discussions with industry-leading AI firms suggest significant changes could be coming for how Apple users navigate the web.