Apple is reportedly exploring the integration of AI-powered search engines from OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic into its Safari browser.

This revelation came during testimony by Eddy Cue, Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, in the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit against Alphabet. The disclosure was part of Cue’s comments regarding Apple's approximately $200 billion annual deal with Google, which keeps the latter as Safari's default search engine.

Cue noted that last month marked the first time search volumes on Safari declined, attributing this shift to the rising adoption of AI technologies.

According to Cue, he believes AI-driven search providers will eventually replace traditional search engines like Google. This belief is driving Apple’s active consideration of incorporating such services into its browser. Nevertheless, Cue mentioned these services might not become default options immediately, as they still require further refinement.

Additionally, Cue confirmed that Apple has initiated preliminary discussions with Perplexity.