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DuckDuckGo sees user uptick following Google plans for an AI search box

DuckDuckGo reported an 18.1% average weekly increase in U.S. app installs from May 20 to May 25, with growth peaking at 30.5% on May 25, following Google’s announcement of plans to introduce an AI-powered search box. The privacy-focused search engine attributed the surge to users concerned about Google’s shift toward an AI-driven search experience. DuckDuckGo’s iOS installs saw even higher growth, averaging 33% week-over-week and peaking at 69.9% during the same period.

read1 min publishedJun 3, 2026

4 June 2026

Search engine DuckDuckGo has experienced a noticeable surge in users in recent weeks, says Rebecca Bellan, writing for TechCrunch.

Many of these new arrivals are concerned about Google’s proposals to significantly change its search experience, through the use of AI, something I think is being called AI Mode.

DuckDuckGo said U.S. app installs went up 18.1% week-over-week on average during the May 20 to May 25 period, compared to May 13 to May 18. The company said that growth was sustained for six consecutive days and peaked at 30.5% on May 25. On iOS, the rate of install is even higher, with week-over-week growth hitting a 33% average, peaking at 69.9%.

In addition to its regular search engine, DuckDuckGo also offers a completely AI-free search option.

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