Google Aims to Reduce Dependence on Apple's Safari Amid U.S. Antitrust Concerns

Google Aims to Reduce Dependence on Apple's Safari Amid U.S. Antitrust Concerns

Google is intensifying efforts to decrease its dependency on Apple's Safari browser as a U.S. antitrust lawsuit threatens its default search engine status on iPhones. The tech giant has been attempting to shift more iPhone searches to its own apps, with the percentage rising from 25% five years ago to the low 30s recently, according to a report by The Information.

In an effort to attract users, Google has launched advertising campaigns showcasing unique features like Lens image search. To further boost this initiative, the company recently hired former Instagram executive Robby Stein, who may leverage AI to enhance the appeal of Google's apps. Despite these efforts, progress has stalled in recent months.

Google paid Apple over $20 billion last year for default status on Safari. Reducing this dependency could protect Google's mobile search advertising revenue if the antitrust ruling goes against it. Additionally, Google executives considered having its new AI Overviews feature, which shows AI-generated responses to search queries, appear on its mobile apps but not on Safari. However, they ultimately decided against that move.