The tech landscape is trembling, and it’s all thanks to the rise of AI! Since ChatGPT made waves in 2022, investors have been holding their breath over the potential fallout for Google. The burning question: What happens if people start ditching Google’s search engine in favor of AI tools?

In a shocking revelation, Apple executive Eddy Cue announced that searches on the Safari browser have shrunk for the first time ever. His explanation? A surge in AI usage!

Cue disclosed this startling news while testifying in a federal antitrust suit against Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Apple, which rakes in over $20 billion annually from Google to keep it as the default search engine, is clearly keeping a close eye on this evolving competition.

According to Cue, Apple may soon introduce AI search alternatives in Safari, hinting at a significant shift in how users search for information. He mentioned, "We will add them to the list — they probably won't be the default," signaling a potential boon for AI-driven search engines.

Investors are buzzing with excitement, investing in AI firms like OpenAI at skyrocketing valuations, hoping to claw away some of Google's market dominance. This desire is exactly why Google is reshaping itself into an AI powerhouse, employing its Gemini AI engine to enhance traditional search queries.

Despite some early hiccups, like the infamous "glue pizza" blunder, Google is standing its ground. CEO Sundar Pichai claimed on an earnings call that their AI innovations are working, asserting an increase in search volume as users become aware of AI's benefits.

However, Cue's testimony paints a worrying picture for Google. Their shares plummeted over 7% following his comments, and investors are clearly anxious.

In response, Google pushed back against Cue’s claims, asserting that they are still experiencing "overall query growth in search," including an uptick in queries from Apple devices.

The battle lines are drawn: Will AI truly dethrone Google’s decades-long reign in search? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the landscape of online searching is changing fast!