Apple’s iOS 17 Update Gives iPhone Users More Choice In Search Engines
Apple has allowed iPhone users to choose non-Google search engines in the iOS 17 update. This is a significant change, as Google has been the default search engine on iPhones since 2007.
To choose a non-Google search engine on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Tap Search Engine.
- Tap Change Search Engine.
- Select the search engine you want to use.
You can choose from a variety of search engines, including Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia.
This change is a positive step for competition and innovation in the search engine market. It also gives iPhone users more choice and control over their online experience.
Why is this change significant?
There are a few reasons why this change is significant. First, Google has a monopoly on the search engine market. According to StatCounter, Google has a market share of over 92%. This means that Google has a lot of power to control what people see online.
Second, Google’s search engine has been criticised for its privacy practices. Google collects a lot of data about its users, including their search history and browsing habits. This data can be used to target ads and track people’s online activity.
Third, some people believe that Google’s search engine is biassed. For example, Google has been accused of favouring its own products and services in its search results.
By allowing iPhone users to choose non-Google search engines, Apple is giving people more choice and control over their online experience. It is also sending a message to Google that it needs to improve its privacy practices and reduce its bias.
What are the benefits of using a non-Google search engine?
There are a few benefits to using a non-Google search engine. First, non-Google search engines tend to be more privacy-focused than Google. They collect less data about their users and do not use this data to target ads.
Second, non-Google search engines can offer a different perspective on the world. They may have different algorithms for ranking search results, and they may index different websites. This can lead to more diverse and interesting search results.
Finally, non-Google search engines can provide a more personalised experience. They may allow you to tailor your search results to your interests and preferences.
Which non-Google search engines should you consider?
There are a variety of non-Google search engines that you can consider. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- DuckDuckGo: DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that does not track its users. It also offers a variety of features to help you customise your search experience, such as bang commands and smart snippets.
- Bing: Bing is a search engine from Microsoft. It offers a variety of features, such as image search, video search, and news search. Bing also has a rewards program that allows you to earn points for searching the web, which you can redeem for gift cards or other rewards.
- Ecosia: Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees for every search query. It is a good option for people who are looking for a search engine that is environmentally friendly.
Other non-Google search engines that you may want to consider include:
- Startpage: Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine that uses Google’s search results, but it removes all of the tracking cookies.
- SearX: SearX is a metasearch engine that aggregates results from multiple search engines.
- Qwant: Qwant is a French search engine that is focused on privacy and personalization.
Apple’s decision to allow iPhone users to choose non-Google search engines is a positive step for competition and innovation in the search engine market. It also gives iPhone users more choice and control over their online experience.
If you are looking for a more privacy-focused, diverse, or personalised search experience, you may want to consider using a non-Google search engine. There are a variety of non-Google search engines available, so you can choose one that best meets your needs.
