Apple plans to launch its own search engine as it prepares for its annual WWDC event. A tweet from writer Robert Scoble, which appears after a thread summarizing the Apple surprises he expects in the coming year, is the source of the speculation.
Scoble declared that the information is based partly on interactions with informants and partly on deduction. “This is the most expensive product launch of all time,” he continued.
Many have speculated that the Cupertino giant would eventually dip its toes in the water due to a lack of competition in the search industry and a longstanding rivalry between Google and Apple.
While the value of Google Search is difficult to estimate due to the way Alphabet’s profits are reported, we know that it accounts for the largest share of the company’s advertising revenue, at $210 billion (16,30,840 crore) in 2021.
If Scoble’s information is correct, Apple has decided it wants a piece of the action. But why now, specifically? According to one theory, Apple believes its iOS and Safari install bases have reached critical mass, making it a credible challenge to Google’s dominance.
For years, Apple has benefited from a partnership with Google that guarantees Google’s status as the default Safari search engine (estimated $20 billion per year).
According to court documents filed as part of a recent class-action lawsuit, Apple is also prohibited from releasing a standalone search tool under the terms of this agreement.