Google Refutes Apple's Claim of Declining Safari Search Traffic Amid AI Competition

Google Challenges Apple's Claim of Declining Safari Search Traffic

In a surprising turn of events, Google has publicly contested Apple Senior VP Eddy Cue's recent court testimony regarding a decline in Safari browser searches. The dispute has ignited a debate about the future of search technology and the impact of AI on traditional search engines.

Eddy Cue's Courtroom Testimony

During the ongoing U.S. Justice Department antitrust lawsuit against Google, Apple's Eddy Cue made a significant claim that Safari browser searches had declined for the first time in April 2025 1

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. Cue attributed this alleged decline to users increasingly turning to AI alternatives such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. He further stated that AI services would eventually replace conventional search engines like Google, necessitating their integration into Safari as search options in the future 2

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Google's Rebuttal

In response to Cue's testimony, Google took the unusual step of issuing a public statement on its blog, "The Keyword." The tech giant firmly asserted:

"We continue to see overall query growth in Search. That includes an increase in total queries coming from Apple's devices and platforms." 1

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Google emphasized that as they enhance Search with new features, users are finding it more useful for a broader range of queries. The company also highlighted that people are accessing Google Search in new ways, including through browsers, the Google app, voice commands, and Google Lens 1

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Market Reaction and Implications

The conflicting narratives have had a significant impact on the market. Following Cue's testimony, Google's stock price dropped by approximately 8% as investors grew concerned about the search giant's future outlook 1

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. This reaction underscores the high stakes involved in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit and the perceived threat of AI to Google's core business.

The $20 Billion Agreement

At the heart of this dispute lies the lucrative $20 billion agreement that makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices 2

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. This deal is a crucial aspect of the antitrust lawsuit, with regulators questioning whether it gives Google an unfair advantage in the search market.

Cue's testimony, suggesting that the deal is becoming less relevant due to the rise of AI alternatives, could be seen as an attempt to defend the agreement's continuation. By portraying the search landscape as evolving and competitive, Apple may be trying to argue that the deal is not monopolistic in nature 1

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The Future of Search and AI Integration

Despite the conflicting claims, both Google and Apple seem to acknowledge the growing importance of AI in search technology. Google's statement hints at ongoing innovations in search, while Apple is reportedly in discussions with AI companies like Perplexity about potential browser integration 2

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As the antitrust lawsuit progresses and AI continues to evolve, the search engine landscape is likely to undergo significant changes. The outcome of this legal battle and the integration of AI into search functionalities could reshape how users access information online in the coming years.