Apple is reportedly working on an in-house AI-powered “answer engine” — a technology similar in concept to ChatGPT — as part of its evolving artificial intelligence strategy. According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, the company has formed a new division dedicated to developing this system, despite previously downplaying the role of chatbots in its product ecosystem.
The move is seen by some as a potential hedge against the possibility of its lucrative deal with Google, which currently makes Google Search the default search engine on Apple devices, coming to an end. If that deal changes in the future, Apple may need its own powerful search and knowledge tool to fill the gap.
The newly created team is called Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI). It is led by Robby Walker, Apple’s senior director, who reports to John Giannandrea, the company’s senior vice president of Machine Learning and AI Strategy. Walker reportedly took charge of the team in April, according to his LinkedIn profile. Many AKI members previously worked on Siri, Apple’s long-standing voice assistant.
The AKI team’s mission is to develop a “ChatGPT-like search experience” for Apple users. The system is expected to be capable of responding to general knowledge queries and could eventually integrate into multiple Apple services, including Siri, Spotlight search, and Safari browser search functions.
The concept of an “answer engine” has been popularized by AI startup Perplexity, which describes it as a search tool that not only retrieves information from the web but also synthesizes and delivers it in conversational language using a large language model (LLM). Unlike traditional search engines, which display a list of links, an answer engine directly provides a coherent and contextualized response to the user’s question.
Apple’s version will reportedly work in a similar manner — first identifying relevant information from online sources and then presenting a direct, human-like answer. This approach could enhance user experience by saving time and offering more precise results.
Integration and Possible Standalone App
According to sources, Apple is still considering whether to release the answer engine as a standalone application or integrate it solely into existing platforms. Integration into Siri could be a significant step forward for the voice assistant, which has faced criticism for lagging behind competitors like Google Assistant and Alexa in both intelligence and versatility.
Adding the technology to Spotlight could also make everyday iPhone, iPad, and Mac searches faster and more intuitive, while integration with Safari could enhance browsing by offering AI-powered summaries and direct answers without leaving the page.
Apple’s Cautious AI Approach
Interestingly, in June, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, that Apple had no interest in developing a “bolt-on chatbot” because it did not align with the company’s vision for AI. This new development suggests a shift toward a more integrated, utility-driven AI strategy rather than a consumer-facing chatbot product.
If successful, Apple’s answer engine could redefine how users search and interact with information on its devices, while positioning the company more competitively in the rapidly evolving AI-driven search market.
