Apple is Developing AI-Powered Web Search Tool to Enhance Siri

Apple is quietly working on something big. Reports suggest the company is building an AI-powered web search tool designed to boost Siri’s performance. For years, Siri has been helpful, but it often falls short when compared to Google Assistant or Microsoft’s AI tools. Most of us have seen Siri redirect us to the web instead of giving direct answers. Apple wants to change that.

This new search tool could make Siri smarter, faster, and more reliable. Instead of just searching the internet, it may provide clear, context-aware answers. Apple also has a strong record of keeping user data private. That means we could get smarter results without giving up our privacy.

The move matters because Apple currently depends on Google for search. Google spends billions each year to remain the default search engine on Apple’s iPhones. If Apple builds its own solution, it could reduce this reliance and enter the search market with a fresh, AI-first approach.

We may be standing at the start of a new chapter where Siri doesn’t just answer questions but actually understands us better.

Background: Apple and Search

Apple has depended on Google for web search for many years. Google pays billions yearly to stay the default option. Siri has improved, but it often sends users to a browser instead of giving answers. Apple created features like Spotlight and Siri Suggestions, but it has never built a full in-house search engine. As a result, Siri still falls behind competitors in delivering deep and useful responses.

This shortfall is important. Users want quick, direct answers. Apple has the money and talent to fix this gap, but until now, it has not led in AI-powered search.

The New AI-Powered Web Search Tool

Apple is building a new Apple Web Search Tool as an AI-powered search system set to launch in spring 2026. It will roll out as part of a major Siri update, likely labeled iOS 26.4.

Internally, Apple calls this tool “World Knowledge Answers.” Some users within the company even refer to it as an “answer engine”. The goal is to transform Siri. Instead of sending users to search results, Siri will generate clear, rich answers.

This feature will span Siri, Safari, and Spotlight. That gives it reach across the iPhone. It may deliver text, photos, video, and local results in one response.

Apple Web Search Tool: Impact on Siri

The new system turns Siri into more than a helper. It becomes a real answer engine. Siri will use large language models (LLMs). It will understand context, deliver answers that mix formats. It may even plan and summarize for you. Siri will have three parts:

• A planner to understand what you are asking.
• A search operator to gather web and device info.
• A summarizer to present a clear answer.

This is a big change. Rather than text only, Siri may add images, videos, and local info in answers.

Competitive Landscape

Google already provides an AI-rich search experience. Microsoft uses Bing and Copilot. OpenAI and Perplexity offer chatbot-like search tools. Apple’s new engine will compete with them. It will bring AI search directly to iPhones rather than through a browser.

Business Implications

Apple may cut back reliance on Google. That could shake up a multi-billion-dollar deal. A fresh search engine may also open new revenue paths. Think of services, ads, or subscription features based on AI. Moreover, Apple positions itself as a leader in privacy-first AI. Using its own models protects user data. That aligns with Apple’s brand.

Challenges and Concerns

This is a massive effort. Building large LLMs at scale is complex. Apple has faced delays before. Siri’s revamp was postponed. Apple later rebuilt Siri’s architecture from scratch.

Talent has also shifted. Some key AI staff moved to competitors. That slows project speed and raises concern. Apple will also need to balance privacy with power. Even as it delivers smart results, it must keep user data safe. Moreover, competing against Google and OpenAI won’t be easy.

Expert Opinions & Industry Reactions

Apple formed a new internal team called “Answers, Knowledge and Information (AKI)”. It aims to build a ChatGPT-style answering system. That shows Apple is serious about AI search.

I’m not sure how this will affect the market at the moment, as I suspect Google has ways of circumventing some of it. It’s good for AI search engines to have access to Google’s search database, but losing Google search as the default on iPhones is a big blow for Google.

— andyH (@AndyH_England) September 2, 2025

Analysts see this as Apple’s long-term bet. Not flashy, but user-focused. It may reassure investors after delays in Apple’s Intelligence and AI upgrades.

Apple Web Search Tool: Future Outlook

The upgrade may arrive with iOS 26.4 in early 2026. First in Siri, then in Safari and Spotlight. Apple may expand the concept to other areas. Imagine using World Knowledge Answers on Vision Pro or future services. If Apple pulls this off, it could alter how billions search the web.

Final Words

Apple’s AI-powered web search tool could finally make Siri smarter, reduce Apple’s reliance on Google, and set the stage for a new era of private, AI-driven search. If successful, it may reshape how users get answers and redefine Apple’s place in the search market.

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Disclaimer:

This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your research.