Report: Yahoo, Bing Vie to Replace Google on Safari

The term "Google" has become synonymous with search, but Apple users may soon have to readjust and "Yahoo" or "Bing" a query.

While Google serves as the Safari browser's default search engine, the companies' agreement is reportedly set to expire next year, making way for Cupertino to choose a new partner.

And according to The Information (via Ars Technica), Microsoft (maker of Bing) and Yahoo are already in talks with Apple Internet Software and Services Senior Vice President Eddy Cue.

Upstart engine DuckDuckGo is also reportedly on the short list.

Yahoo recently announced that it will replace Google as Mozilla's default search engine for Firefox. And CEO Marissa Mayer has made it clear in the past that she wants to usurp Google as Apple's iOS search default.

Google declined to comment on the reports; Yahoo, Microsoft, and Apple did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.

This would not be the first time Cupertino looked beyond Google: The company ditched Google Maps in 2012 for its own troubled mapping application, and stopped pre-loading the YouTube app on iOS devices. Plus, the new Spotlight search app on iOS leans on Bing for support, as does Siri. But in the browser, searches entered into the URL bar default to Google.

The Information also suggested that Apple could dole out property to other foreign search engines for operations outside of the U.S.

For more, check out our Safari tips in the slideshow above.