Apple's latest AI project may be a web search tool (www.engadget.com)

Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered web search tool called World Knowledge Answers, which may be integrated into its upcoming AI-driven Siri overhaul, as well as Safari and the Spotlight search interface. This marks a significant pivot for Apple, historically hesitant to enter the search market, signaling a strategic move to compete directly with AI-enhanced search offerings from Google, Microsoft, and emerging players like OpenAI and Perplexity. Technically, this effort ties into Apple’s broader plan to revamp Siri with advanced AI capabilities, expected around 2026. The company is exploring multiple approaches, including potentially leveraging Google’s Gemini language model or pursuing acquisitions to accelerate development. Such integration could enable Apple to offer a more conversational, AI-driven search experience across its ecosystem, aligning with the growing trend of users relying on chatbots for information retrieval. For the AI/ML community, Apple’s foray into search highlights the increasing convergence of traditional search engines and generative AI interfaces, underscoring the importance of large language models in redefining how users access information. This move could spur further innovation in AI-powered web search and shape competitive dynamics among leading tech firms investing heavily in AI assistants and chatbot technologies.