Back in 2014 in a bold move, Apple dropped Google as their search results partner for their iOS 8 and Mac OS X “Yosemite” spotlight searches; joining forces with Bing instead. This was an interesting move for Apple to make, seeing as their internet browser, Safari, still operated under Google’s search algorithm automatically.

Fast forward three years, and Apple has changed the name of the search engine game yet again. This time, they’ve partnered with Google to run their Spotlight and in-app (Safari) search results, too. The reasoning behind this is in efforts to streamline user experience (uX), regardless of the Apple platform they are using.

In a statement made to TechCrunch regarding this new partnership, Apple said, “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,”.

The search results for any given topic will now include results for both video resources via YouTube, a Google-owned company, and web results via Safari.

Both Google and Apple have a vetted interest in engaging with the consumers in the ways they wish to be engaging, which has put both companies at the forefront of the technological world. With this newly-founded partnership, iPhone and Mac users will experience clean search results pulled from one source, rather than the confusion of two different interfaces depending on where you run your search; a constant occurrence prior to this change.

Regardless of their move away from Microsoft’s search engine, Apple is still in good standing with the company, and expects to conduct business together again in the future. Consistency is the motivator for Apple at this point in their journey, and with many people referencing Google as their number one priority in today’s data-driven world, partnering up with Google is a bold, but wise, move on Apple’s behalf.

Lee McNiel