In what will likely be a big blow to Microsoft's search business, Apple is switching from Bing to Google as its default search provider for Siri and Spotlight web results. As reported by TechCrunch, web searches from Siri and Spotlight will now default to Google results instead of Bing when you ask a question.
The reason for the switch is consistency, Apple says in a statement to TechCrunch.
Switching to Google as the web search provider for Siri, Search within iOS and Spotlight on Mac will allow these services to have a consistent web search experience with the default in Safari. We have strong relationships with Google and Microsoft and remain committed to delivering the best user experience possible.
It's difficult to estimate the level of impact this might have on Bing's search traffic. However, the fact that the vast install base of Macs and iOS devices in the wild will no longer default to Bing for web searches is sure to be felt at Microsoft. Curiously, while general web searches will now default to Google, Siri will still tap Bing for image results.
The timing of the change coincides with the launch of macOS High Sierra, and comes just a week after iOS 11 was released. The changes began rolling out as of 9am PT, TechCrunch says.
