Apple is exploring the potential integration of artificial intelligence-based search technologies, particularly from OpenAI, into its Safari browser. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, believes that AI search could eventually replace traditional search engines like Google, as reported by Bloomberg.

Cue made this statement during testimony in the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Google. The core of the lawsuit revolves around a deal worth approximately $20 billion, which designates Google as the default search engine in Safari.

According to Cue, AI-based search will not be enabled by default but will eventually appear in the browser. He also highlighted that Apple is already in discussions with Perplexity for integration.

During his testimony, Cue mentioned that the number of search queries in Safari declined for the first time last month, attributing this to more users opting for artificial intelligence over standard search engines.

Apple currently offers integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in Siri and may expand its offerings with Google’s Gemini by the end of the year. Cue also noted that the company is considering partnerships with DeepSeek and xAI.

Despite this, Cue is convinced that Google should remain the default search engine in Safari due to the advantageous revenue-sharing agreement in their partnership.

Moreover, during his testimony, he suggested that iPhones might disappear in the next decade due to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology.