Google searches are falling in Safari for the first time ever — probably because of AI

The Verge - May 7th, 2025

Google searches in Safari decreased last month for the first time ever, according to Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, during Google’s antitrust trial. Cue attributed this unprecedented decline to the rising use of AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, which may be diverting users from traditional search engines like Google. This shift poses a financial threat to Apple, as Google pays Apple approximately $20 billion to keep its search engine as the default in Safari. Cue expressed concern over the potential loss of this revenue stream.

The decline in traditional search traffic suggests a significant change in user behavior and the growing influence of AI-driven tools in the digital information ecosystem. As AI continues to evolve, it could lead to reduced traffic for websites that rely on search engine referrals, impacting their visibility and revenue. Google’s Search vice president, Pandu Nayak, acknowledged concerns from site owners but mentioned that there are no guarantees of a turnaround. This development highlights the broader implications of AI on search habits and digital advertising, posing challenges for both tech giants and smaller web-based businesses.

Apple Chat Gpt Google Gemini Ai Tools Perplexity Antitrust Trial Search Engine Digital Advertising Microsoft Copilot Safari Eddy Cue

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a largely accurate and timely account of the decline in Google searches within Safari and its potential implications. It effectively uses credible sources, particularly Eddy Cue's testimony, to support its claims. While the article maintains a clear structure and neutral tone, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and deeper exploration of the broader impacts of AI on the search industry. The story addresses topics of public interest and has the potential to engage readers, but it could enhance its impact by incorporating more detailed analysis and interactive elements. Overall, the article is a well-researched and informative piece that contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of search engines and the role of AI in shaping user behavior.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, with its main claims supported by credible sources and testimony from Eddy Cue. The claim that Google searches in Safari fell for the first time is verified by multiple sources, although there is a slight discrepancy in the reported duration (20 vs. 22 years). The explanation linking this decline to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and others is consistent with Cue's testimony and corroborated by other news outlets. However, the exact impact of AI on the decline is not quantified, leaving room for further exploration. The financial relationship between Google and Apple, cited as $20 billion, is widely reported but not officially confirmed, which slightly impacts the precision of the claim.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both Apple and Google, highlighting the potential impacts on both companies. However, it primarily focuses on Apple's viewpoint, especially through Eddy Cue's statements, which could introduce a slight bias. The article could benefit from more input from Google representatives or independent analysts to provide a fuller picture of the situation. Additionally, the concerns of independent site owners are mentioned but not deeply explored, which could have offered a more comprehensive view of the broader impacts.

Clarity

The article is clear and concise, with a logical flow that makes it easy to follow. It effectively communicates the main points and uses direct quotes from Eddy Cue to support its claims. However, some technical terms, such as AI tools and search engine dynamics, could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with the subject. Overall, the language is neutral and professional, maintaining a tone appropriate for a news article. Providing more background on the antitrust trial and the role of AI in search could improve clarity for a broader audience.

Source quality

The article relies on high-quality sources, primarily the testimony of Eddy Cue, a high-ranking Apple executive, during a significant antitrust trial. This lends credibility to the claims made. However, the article mentions reaching out to Google for comment but does not provide their perspective, which could have strengthened the source quality. The story would benefit from including more diverse sources, such as industry experts or analysts, to provide additional context and insight into the implications of the claims made.

Transparency

The article provides a clear basis for its claims by citing Eddy Cue's testimony and mentioning the ongoing antitrust trial. However, it lacks transparency in certain areas, such as the exact terms of the financial relationship between Google and Apple and the methodology behind determining the impact of AI on search volume. The story could improve by explaining the context of the trial more thoroughly and detailing how AI tools are affecting search behaviors. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting would enhance transparency.