The ability to change the default search engine comes as the US Department of Justice increases pressure on Big Tech over online market monopolies. Despite the option to change the default search engine, a report found that 99% of phone users in the UK have Google set as their default, indicating Google's dominance in the online search market.
Key takeaways:
- An Apple executive has revealed a new feature in iOS 17 that allows users to change the default search engine on their iPhone when using Safari in private browsing mode.
- This feature was revealed during the ongoing Google antitrust lawsuit brought forward by the US Department of Justice, which involves Apple due to its multibillion-dollar deal that makes Google the default search engine on iPhones.
- Users can now set two default search engines in iOS 17: one for regular browsing and one for private browsing, providing an option for those who don't want Google gleaning their data in private browsing mode.
- The ability to change the default search engine in iOS 17 comes as the US Department of Justice increases pressure on Big Tech over its power in online markets, accusing Google of maintaining a monopoly in online search and online ad sales.