Thread by @ColinHayhurst

#WWDC22 is about to kick off & rumours are that Apple will have an announcement on search.

What can we expect?

Let's put the Spotlight on how 🍎 already seeks to control search. 🧵

1️⃣ Safari constrains your freedom to seek, by blocking any custom search options, like @mojeek

We've explained before how Google, Microsoft & Apple practice coopetition in browsers & search.
blog.mojeek.com/2022/05/gateke…

2️⃣ Searching from MacOS & IOS, uses 🍎s #Spotlight and #Siri. What shows up is carefully controlled as we shall explain ...

3️⃣ Suppose you chose Ecosia as your search preference in Chrome, & that is your default browser on your Mac or iPhone. If you have Google as your search preference in Safari, then the Spotlight directed search will be done with Google in Chrome, not Ecosia.

Apple is in charge.

4️⃣ So, your own search engine preference is ignored. And @ecosia gets shunted out. @mojeek too. Let that sink in.

5️⃣ Astonishingly, even if you delete Safari, the default search choice in Safari will still be used by Spotlight.

6️⃣ Right now, Google as the default search preference in Safari benefits, and pays ~$15 bn for this & other advantages.

7️⃣ Will Apple apply a similar sleight of hand on their own search roadmap & keep you where they want you?

There have been lots of rumours about Apple search, but they best take is from @gsterling
nearmedia.co/apple-search-e…

Let's see what's announced by the now dominant company that once ran that famous 1984 advert.

#WWDC: What was announced?

No new 🍎 web search engine, as rumoured.

But Spotlight, their device/OS search tool, will now be placed on the home screen.

Take note.

And Spotlight ignores search preferences in competitor browsers 🎯

https://twitter.com/ColinHayhurst/status/1533854896633544704