Apple Explores AI for Safari, Sparking Alphabet's $150B Market Value Drop
May 11, 2025
Despite concerns about AI disruption, Google possesses strategic advantages, including vast historical search data and sophisticated algorithms, which position it well to navigate potential challenges.
Despite the initial market panic, some analysts believe the reaction may be an overreaction to vague comments without concrete timelines.
While there may be some impact from Apple's plans, Alphabet's search business is expected to remain robust, and its stock continues to hold value for investors.
Google's deep integration into users' daily internet activities, through services like Gmail and YouTube, reinforces its strong market position.
This news led to a significant drop in Alphabet's shares, falling by 7.3% and resulting in a loss of approximately $150 billion in market value.
Alphabet's diverse revenue streams extend beyond search, including significant contributions from YouTube, Google Cloud, and its Waymo robotaxi service.
As of March 2025, Alphabet still commands a substantial 89.7% market share in global search engines, although this is a decrease from 92.9% in January 2023.
Apple is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into its Safari browser, which could potentially end its long-standing partnership with Google for web search.
Investors are currently weighing the potential disruptions from AI, with some viewing it as a buying opportunity while others fear it signals a longer-term decline for Alphabet.
Eddy Cue, Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, noted a decline in search volume for the first time in two decades, attributing this trend to the rising use of AI tools like ChatGPT.
Following the initial sell-off, Alphabet's shares showed signs of recovery after the company confirmed that overall search volumes are still increasing.
While alternative search engines may attract some Safari users, the overall impact on Alphabet is expected to be minimal and not permanent.
Summary based on 17 sources
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Sources

Forbes • May 12, 2025
Will AI Really Disrupt Google’s Search Empire?
The Motley Fool • May 10, 2025
Alphabet Stock Sell-Off: 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Panic About Google Search
The Motley Fool • May 11, 2025
Here's Why I'm Not Too Worried for Alphabet Despite Apple's Potential New AI-Powered Safari Search
The Irish Times • May 12, 2025
Google’s wobble reflects rising threat of AI to its business model