Google has publicly refuted recent reports suggesting a drop in search engine usage due to the rise of AI-powered search tools and chatbots. This response directly challenges testimony provided by an Apple executive during the U.S. government’s antitrust case against Google, causing significant market reactions.
Apple’s Testimony Sparks Market Turmoil
The controversy began with Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, testifying that Safari browser users are conducting fewer searches on traditional search engines—marking the first decline observed last month. Cue attributed this trend to a broader technological shift that is gradually reducing reliance on conventional search engines. The news triggered a sharp 7.51% drop in Google’s stock price on the following Wednesday.
Silicon Valley’s Changing Habits
In tech circles, there’s growing sentiment that Google Search may be becoming outdated. A recent episode of the Y Combinator podcast highlighted this shift, with the host noting a 15% decrease in Google traffic—a change he links to increased use of AI tools like ChatGPT and other chatbots. He emphasized that early adopters often signal future trends, pointing out that many in Silicon Valley now rely on AI platforms for information rather than traditional search engines.
He described how Google feels increasingly like legacy technology:
“People are now switching their behavior to where your default action if you’re looking for information is, you know ChatGPT or perplexity, or one of these things… I’ll use Google mostly for kind of navigational [queries], but it’s starting to have that weird kind of, like legacy website, like I’m using eBay or something.”
Google Fires Back With Data
Google responded swiftly and firmly to the reports, dismissing claims of declining search activity. In a brief but clear statement, the company said:
“We continue to see overall query growth in Search. That includes an increase in total queries coming from Apple’s devices and platforms. More generally, as we enhance Search with new features, people are seeing that Google Search is more useful for more of their queries—and they’re accessing it for new things and in new ways, whether from browsers or the Google app, using their voice or Google Lens. We’re excited to continue this innovation and look forward to sharing more at Google I/O.”
The Bigger Picture: AI and the Future of Search
While some in tech believe AI is reshaping how we access information, Google insists its platform remains central to user behavior—even as habits evolve. The debate highlights the ongoing transformation in digital search, with AI poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
For those interested in the discussion, the referenced Y Combinator episode offers further insight into how Silicon Valley views the changing landscape of search.