Googlebot vs Applebot
Compare Google's Googlebot and Apple's Applebot — search crawlers powering Google Search and the Apple ecosystem (Siri, Spotlight, Safari).
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Googlebot feeds Google Search results visible on any device, while Applebot indexes content for Apple's ecosystem: Siri responses, Spotlight search, and Safari suggestions. Googlebot reaches the broadest audience through Google Search; Applebot reaches hundreds of millions of Apple device users through integrated OS features.
Both render JavaScript, but Applebot uses WebKit while Googlebot uses Chromium. Both should be allowed for maximum discoverability across search and voice assistants.
When to manage Googlebot
Always allow Googlebot — it's the single most important crawler for search visibility and organic traffic.
How to block GooglebotWhen to manage Applebot
Allow Applebot for visibility across Siri, Spotlight, and Safari on all Apple devices. Block Applebot-Extended separately if you want to opt out of Apple Intelligence training.
How to block ApplebotManage both with Switch
Switch detects Googlebot, Applebot, and 40+ other AI agents in real-time. Build custom journeys for each — block, challenge, serve markdown, or redirect. Five-minute setup, no server changes.
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