Title: Apple Allows iPhone Users to Choose Alternative Search Engines in iOS 17 Update
In a surprising turn of events, Apple’s senior VP of Machine Learning and AI took the stand in the ongoing Google antitrust trial to shed light on the multi-billion dollar deal between the tech giants. It has been revealed that Google pays Apple a whopping estimated amount ranging from $4 billion to $7 billion annually to maintain its position as the default search engine on the iPhone.
However, with the recent release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that allows iPhone users to select different search engines for normal browsing and private browsing. While Google remains the default choice for both settings, users now have the option to easily change their default search engine.
To access this feature, users simply need to navigate to Settings > Safari > Search, where they can choose from a range of search engines including Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia. Prior to this update, users were only able to select one search engine for all browsing purposes, but now they have the flexibility to choose a second search engine specifically for private browsing on Safari.
This new process has been deemed incredibly user-friendly, setting it apart from other mobile browsers, as highlighted by DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg. Weinberg believes that Google’s default status has been acting as a barrier, preventing users from switching away from the search giant. However, unlike on other devices, iPhone users seem more inclined to experiment with alternative search engines.
Weinberg’s greatest challenge now lies in convincing users to switch from Google to DuckDuckGo, a search engine that prides itself on its user privacy features. With the power to change search engines right at their fingertips, iPhone users may be more open to exploring different options and breaking free from Google’s dominance.
Overall, Apple’s move to give users greater control over their search engine preferences not only showcases their commitment to user empowerment but also provides an opportunity for alternative search engines to gain traction and challenge the monopoly of Google. As users become more aware of their options, it will be interesting to see if DuckDuckGo and other search engines can capitalize on this newfound openness and capture a larger share of the search market.
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