There have been rumors suggesting that Apple could be integrating Baidu’s search in the next iOS update. This move would no doubt appeal to users in China which Apple is hoping will move over to the iPhone. However despite all the talks about Baidu integration, we have yet to see anything although that wait might be coming to an end. According to a report by Bloomberg, their sources have revealed that this integration could be announced as soon as next week, which we assume will be done at Apple’s annual WWDC.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) plans to add Baidu Inc. (BIDU)’s search engine on iPhones in China, part of a push to broaden its services and user base in the world’s most-populous nation, according to two people with knowledge of the matter…The agreement to add Baidu, China’s largest search engine, to the lineup of Web tools on the iPhone could be announced as early as next week, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private.
Interestingly despite the rumor of Baidu replacing Google as the default search engine on iOS devices in China, Bloomberg’s sources have also revealed to them that Google will still remain as the default while Baidu will be present as an option. We’re not sure what the deal is there but hopefully more details will be revealed next week. Be sure to check back with us then for the updates.