Why Apple won't be launching a search engine any time soon

[Nomar]

Some interesting thoughts about Apple and a possible Search Engine;

"Google CEO Eric Schmidt was on Apple's board. Plenty of Google employees proudly showed off their iPhones. All seemed fine as the two companies took on their common enemy, Microsoft.

If Apple's so unhappy with Google, maybe it needs a new search provider? Unfortunately, the only real alternative would be Microsoft's Bing. So who does Apple hate less these days, Google or Microsoft? That might dictate the choice it makes. But then again, how about some sweet revenge? Why doesn't Apple build its own search engine and take on Google!"

[Lukehluke]

If Apple made a search engine, then it would pretty much fail.

[billu1995]

Perhaps it's semantics, but I would be inclined to disagree. Building a search engine isn't hard, after all, eBay, amazon, tripadvisor and others have all done it and relatively well specific to their industry segments. The hard part is taking on Google The two are not the same. Building a search engine for a mobile device... now that's a challenge. And not one I'm convinced that Google has mastered. So as opposed to taking on the gargantuan task of building a search engine, take on the more focused task of building a search engine for a mobile device and the outcome may somewhat different and pleasantly surprising.

[synchar]

If Apple were to make a search engine, I'll eat my shoe. :P

I'll entertain the idea though, if they were to it would become the default on their mobile devices (iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone) and I would expect the default for Safari. Because they have all these different platforms to leverage they could likely gain a modest amount of market share and make a ton of money (Apple already owns mobile advertiser Quattro Wireless). Now, I don't think Apple would ever do this because it would require a lot of investment from them and it isn't exactly the type of business they get into.

The other reason I don't think this would ever happen is that while Apple and Google are currently at each other's throats, Apple does have an alternative with Bing.

I realize that sounds almost laughable, but it makes sense. While Apple and their fans like to take any opportunity to laugh at Microsoft, both companies actually enjoy a rather nice and very successful business partnership. Both companies make a lot of money off of the other and there is nothing to suggest that they are adverse to working with each other. Aside from fans of the respective companies, the only person of note that actually holds any animosity between the two companies is Steve Jobs, and even he'll keep his ego in check if it is in the best interest for his Apple. What's more is Microsoft is currently doing whatever it takes to get Bing any market share they can.


I realize that sounds almost laughable, but it makes sense. While Apple and their fans like to take any oportinity to laugh at Microsoft, both companies actually enjoy a rather nice and very successful business partnership. Both companies make a lot of money off of the other and there is nothing to suggest that they are adverse to working with each other. Aside from fans of the respective companies, the only person of note that actually holds any anamosity between the two companies is Steve Jobs, and even he'll keep his ego in check if it is in the best interest for his Apple. What's more is Microsoft is currently doing what ever it takes to get Bing any marketshare they can.

That’s just my thoughts on the subject anyway. I actually think it would be quite interesting if Apple were launch a search engine because it would be interesting to see if they could gain much traction, or if they'd even try.

[pinkvinny]

If Apple were to make a search engine, I'll eat my shoe.

If that happens I don't think I can do it but I would definitely try their search engine if its running good.