DuckDuckGo Installs Jumped 18% After Google Killed the Blue Links. On Apple Devices, the Spike Hit 70%. Following Google’s announcement to integrate AI-powered tools into its search engine, DuckDuckGo experienced a significant surge in app installs, with a 18% week-over-week increase. This growth was further amplified on Apple devices, reaching a 33% weekly increase and a single-day peak of almost 70%. The trend indicates a user preference for choice in AI integration, as opposed to mandatory implementation, a stance DuckDuckGo aims to fulfill by offering AI as an option alongside traditional search.

• DuckDuckGo US app installs increased by an average of 18% week over week between May 20-25.
• Apple device installs saw a weekly growth of 33%, with a single-day peak of nearly 70%.
• Traffic to DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search page, noai.duckduckgo.com, also rose by 23% week over week.
• This surge is attributed to user dissatisfaction with Google’s AI-centric search changes and undisclosed AI models on devices.
• DuckDuckGo emphasizes user choice regarding AI integration, contrasting with Google’s mandatory approach.
• The AI search market is growing, and Google’s strategy may either accelerate this growth or drive away users seeking traditional search. Continue reading https://thenextweb.com/news/duckduckgo-user-surge-google-ai-search-overhaul