Google’s success in the search engine market has long been the envy of other companies. However, entering this space is widely considered a massive risk. So, does Apple, the tech giant known for its iPhone models and status as one of the richest companies, have plans to venture into this area? Eddy Cue, a senior executive at Apple, has provided some answers.
Is Apple Developing a Search Engine to Compete with Google?
In a statement submitted to a U.S. federal court in Washington, D.C., last week, Eddy Cue clarified that Apple is not currently working on a search engine to rival Google. According to MacRumors, the reasons behind Apple’s decision to stay out of the search engine business include:
- Massive Costs and Time Investment: Developing a search engine would cost Apple “billions of dollars” and take “years” to complete. Such a project would divert resources and personnel from the company’s current focus on “other growth areas.”
- Rapid Advancements in AI: The search industry is “evolving rapidly” due to advancements in artificial intelligence, making it a financially risky investment for Apple.
- Privacy Commitments: Building a viable search engine would require Apple to “sell targeted ads,” which goes against the company’s “core business values” and longstanding commitment to user privacy.
- Lack of Expertise: Apple does not currently have the necessary “expert professionals” or “operational infrastructure” to create and run a successful search engine business.
Considering these factors, the tech giant views entering the search engine market as excessively risky. The rapid development of AI further reinforces the company’s belief that investing in this space would be unnecessary.
Do you find the company’s reasoning logical? Should the company rethink its stance on building a search engine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!