Apple's AI chief highlighted an inconspicuous Safari search feature introduced in iOS 17 during his testimony within the Google Department of Justice (DoJ) antitrust trial.  

(Photo : Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Google's Senior VP of Engineering John Giannandrea speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017 at Pier 48 on September 19, 2017 in San Francisco, California.

Enabling Users to Choose Different Search Engines

During the ongoing Google antitrust trial, Bloomberg reported that Apple's Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI, John Giannandrea took the stand to provide testimony.

While under oath, the Apple executive disclosed that iOS 17 introduced a new feature enabling users to choose different search engines on their iPhones. This feature includes settings for standard browsing using Safari and for private browsing.

Notably, Google remains the default choice for both settings, but users now have the option to make a change if they wish. While Apple is not a defendant in this legal case, the focus has shifted to their significant financial arrangement with Google.

Also Read: iPhone 15 Launch in France Spoiled by Apple Store Strike Amid Pay, Radiation Scandal

To modify your primary search engine away from Google, navigate to the Settings > Safari menu. Within the Search section, you'll encounter choices for both Search Engine and Private Search Engine.

Phone Arena reported that tapping on Search Engine allows you to select from: (1) Google, (2) Yahoo, (3) Bing, (4) DuckDuckGo, and (5) Ecosia.

Similarly, by tapping on Private Search Engine, you can opt for any of the above search engines from the same list.

Prior to the introduction of iOS 17, users were restricted to a single search engine choice for both regular and private browsing. However, iOS 17 introduces the ability for users to designate a secondary search engine.

Moreover, this procedure simplifies the task of transitioning to alternative search engines, effectively allowing users to substitute Google with ease on their iPhones.

However, during Thursday's proceedings, Gabriel Weinberg, the CEO of DuckDuckGo, provided testimony asserting that Google's default search engine position on numerous mobile browsers acts as a deterrent, hindering users from making the switch.

According to Weinberg, the process typically involves "too many steps." However, it's important to note that this does not appear to be the case with iPhones.

Google Trial

Google pays Apple a substantial annual sum to maintain its position as the default search engine on the iPhone, with the Department of Justice estimating this payment to be in the range of $4 billion to $7 billion per year.

Apple Insider reported that the legal proceedings are anticipated to extend over a ten-week period, during which various Apple executives are scheduled to testify. Among those expected to take the stand is Eddy Cue, a prominent figure within the company.

The accusations against Google encompass a range of issues, including financial arrangements involving payments from Google to Apple, ensuring Google's continued status as the default search engine on the iPhone.

With the introduction of iOS 17, Phone Arena reported that Google maintains its default position for regular browsing searches, while the Private Browsing mode initially follows the user's selected default search engine.

Related Article: iPhone 15 Precision Finding: New Chip Enables Finding Friends as much as 60 Meters Away