Apple includes China’s Baidu in iOS in effort to step away from Google

Apple’s seemingly inevitable split from Google gets another vote of confidence through Apple’s decision to reportedly integrate Baidu into iOS in China. Online reports speculate that Apple will roll out an update for iOS that integrates search functionality from Chinese search giant Baidu. According to sources that are allegedly ‘in-the-know’, an agreement is already in place and the update could come about as soon as next month though the level of integration is as yet unknown.

Besides this move, Apple has already put several other strategies into action such as launching the new iPhoto for iOS which does not rely on Google Maps. Besides that, Apple has put most of its weight on Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Siri and a few others to help reduce the usage of Google based products on iPhones and iPads.

Apple has seen that its products in China has achieved a level of interest that is beyond expectations and with CEO Tim Cook allegedly visiting in China, something that was never done by Steve Jobs as the CEO, it is clear that Apple is taking the market which is booming (for obvious reasons) very seriously. The integration of Baidu into iOS would prove to be a very good move as sources state that the Chinese prefer Baidu to Google as it holds an impressive 83.6% of China’s search space.