Microsoft cut out of mobile search market as Apple replaces Bing with Google for Siri searches on iOS and Mac

At WWDC 2013, Apple announced iOS 7 which brought Bing web search integration to Siri, Apple’s digital personal assistant. Apple at that time announced that Bing will power Siri’s new integrated web search. When users ask Siri a question, if specific answer is not found, Bing web search results were shown to the users. Apple later expanded this experience to Spotlight search on macOS devices. Today, Apple announced that they are going to replace Microsoft’s Bing with Google. According to Apple, they are now switching from Bing to Google for Siri and Spotlight queries to make the web search results experience consistent for their users.

“Switching to Google as the web search provider for Siri, Search within iOS and Spotlight on Mac will allow these services to have a consistent web search experience with the default in Safari, We have strong relationships with Google and Microsoft and remain committed to delivering the best user experience possible.”

One good news for Microsoft is that Apple will continue to use Bing web image results from Siri for now. Apple already has a deal worth several billion dollars to have Google as the default web search provider on Safari for iOS and Mac devices. So the real reason for Apple to replace Bing with Google might also be some updated contractual agreements with Google. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.