Apple briefly considered switching over to DuckDuckGo from Google, rejected switch as it was a ‘bad idea’

Apple had considered switching over to DuckDuckGo from Google as the default search engine on Safari. However, they decided against it, believing that it would be a bad idea, believing that DuckDuckGo, which relies on Bing for search information, might share user data with Microsoft Apple Inc. engaged in discussions with DuckDuckGo as a potential replacement for Alphabet Inc.’s Google as the default search engine for Apple’s Safari browser’s private mode. In a February 2019 email to other Apple executives, Giannandrea expressed scepticism, considering switching to DuckDuckGo for private browsing a “bad idea.” Giannandrea’s reservations were rooted in concerns that DuckDuckGo, which relies on Bing for search information, might share user data with Microsoft, raising questions about aligning DuckDuckGo’s privacy claims with actual practices. In a contrasting revelation, Giannandrea disclosed that Apple CEO Tim Cook had tasked him with discussions with Microsoft executives in 2018 regarding the possible use of Bing’s search engine in Safari. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also testified during the trial, revealing his company’s willingness to sustain significant financial losses if Apple were to make the switch to Bing as the default search engine.`