Google's recent announcements at its I/O event have provoked an unexpected reaction among smartphone users. After presenting a deep integration of artificial intelligence into its search engine, DuckDuckGo has registered a notable and sustained increase in its downloads within the United Statesespecially on Apple's iOS platform.
Google's change in strategy seeks to completely transform the traditional browsing experience through the use of generative summaries. However, this structural modification This has generated discontent among a segment of users who prefer direct results. And without the intermediation of algorithms based on artificial language models. Many users want to control the sources from which they receive information, rejecting the idea that artificial intelligence should choose where they get their news.
Accelerated growth in iPhone devices
According to data provided by the company to the media, DuckDuckGo downloads on iOS devices in the United States rose 33% week over week. This growth far exceeds the global increase of 18,1% on other platformsThis demonstrates a specific interest among iPhone users in traditional alternatives.
In addition to the installation of the mobile application, traffic to the web version that excludes artificial intelligence experienced a 22,7% increase. The website noai.duckduckgo.com has become the main refuge for those looking to maintain a clean browsing experience free of automated features.
A phenomenon centered on the US market
The data shows that this behavior continued and even accelerated during Memorial Day weekend, a period when internet traffic usually decreases. The surge concentrated in the United States coincides directly with the initial availability of the new tools that Google has deployed as a priority in that market.
Although the alternative search engine is also experimenting with AI-assisted features, its stance is based on keeping these tools as strictly voluntary options. Transparency in allowing these functions to be disabled appears to be the key factor. to attract users who feel overwhelmed by the competition's changes.