2 mo. ago • 91%

When will we ever get the option for a custom search engine? (Safari)

So as you may know, i am a guy mostly focused on privacy. Basically, insead of google i use SearXNG. (Privacy focused search engine) However, when i went to change the default search engine in safari, there was no option to add a custom search engine.

This really pissed me off. So how come Apple allows changing default browsers in the EU, but not search engines?

43 comments

I’m not saying it’s the right way, but I thought this had been possible for quite some time by using a safari extension like https://apps.apple.com/us/app/customize-search-engine/id6445840140

26
- If you’re looking for a free way to do it. The “Hyperweb” extension lets you.
  
  But this is an imperfect solution as it just redirects, and your search still gets sent to your safari default + it takes longer to load.
  
  3
you could try Safari/Webkit based Orion, which also happens to be more privacy focused as well. https://kagi.com/orion/

11
IDK use Firefox mobile I guess?

10
- Yeah, Firefox on iOS lets you add custom search engines
  
  3
Kagi offers a safari plugin which intercepts a search request and sends it to Kagi instead. Works great.

7
- They didn't want to use Kagi though.
  
  2
  
  It also means someone could make a generalized search redirect safari extension without needing to wait for Apple
  
  Edit: just checked looks like something like it exists
  
  3
  
  Well they could. It’s part of the value proposition.
  
  1
Why not just use firefox?

7
- Safari is just way better integrated in the System and its not like Firefox on iOS is the real firefox. Its webkit with a Firefox skin.
  
  16
  
  True.
  
  4
  
  Damn, was not aware of this
  
  1
  
  What system integration do you want? I personally wish Apple didn't restrict the usage of certificates to safari but that's about it. But I only use iOS on my work phone. My personal phone is an Android.
  
  1
When Apple figures out a way to maximize its profit by extorting those search engines.

6
@prousername@lemmy.ml It is not ideal, but you can use privacy redirect, an extension to change the search engine

4
- 2 dollars just to change the search engine. hell naw
  
  0
I use Arc Browser on iOS you can click search for me and it will peruse the top links to your search query and use an LLM to extract the information you want so you can avoid the cancer that is modern websites plagued with ads and burying the leed.

4
What did Apple tell you when you asked? Did you think anyone here knows the answer?

3
Yeah this is unacceptable

3
Only search engine who pay got into that list.

1
You are privacy focused and use apple? I think I have found your problem.

-40
- I'd have thought Google is more invasive than Apple? I say this as an Android user...
  
  25
  
  It is
  
  10
  
  Android can be degoogled, e.g. GrapheneOS. If you're focused on privacy then that's the way to go.
  
  Although Google is worse than Apple when it comes to privacy, Apple is still pretty bad.
  
  0
- Some people have to use their stuff for a variety of reasons, don't be a dick about it.
  
  21
  
  In an Apple community too, no less.
  
  12
  
  User name almost checks out
  
  -1
- So what are the alternatives? Android and even more spying? Degoogled Android and having to log into the website for your bank every time you want to send someone money?
  
  Apple's the devil, but when your alternatives are "Devil Plus" and "Lose access to half the stuff you even need your phone for", I'll stick with the Devil.
  
  9
- What type of problem though? I don't see anything wrong with using an apple product while maintaining my privacy.
  
  5
  
  Apple isn't any good for privacy. Just as Google, it's a single big company that gets full control over your device. There are many examples of them exploiting it, by hashing your launched apps on Mac to check for malware, for example. Their systems are also known for being a lot more locked down than the rest, meaning getting rid of telemetry is not an easy task. Big companies are not interested in your privacy, they are interested in profit. And the profit they can get by building your profile is a lot more valuable for them than you as a user. That being said, the guy is right, but he is out of line.
  
  -6
- There is nothing more privacy focused than iCloud private relay.
  
  4
  
  The reason I use Safari! So good.
  
  Feels private, I’ve only read their layman explanation of how it works.
  
  1

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