Google Branding Removed from Safari Search in iPhone OS 4?

Maybe I’m reading too much into this, but in some recent iPhone OS 4 screenshots I took in this weekend, something struck me as odd. Take a look at the shots above (via MacRumors). Notice anything? That’s right, gone is the ‘Google’ text on the search button, swapped with the much more generic ‘Search’.

Interesting, no? Is this a sign that Apple is dumping Google as their mobile search? Or, perhaps this simple means there will be more search engine options when it comes to OS 4. You know, choose your default engine from Google, Yahoo!, BING, etc… That would seem to make the most sense for me. Another reason could simply be that Apple and Google haven’t come to terms on the default search for iPhone OS 4 just yet, in which case, developers have been using ‘Search’ where ‘the Google’ used to be.

I suppose Apple could also be working in the own search engine, but lets get real here. Apple needs to stick to their core competencies, if for some reason they branch out to search, well, you can slap me silly. Besides, I’m not sure how confident I’d be using ‘Apple’ search results. I can see it now… You enter a search query, Apple receives it, and submits it to a rigorous approval process. If approved, you’ll get your results… However, you’ll have to wait a week or so for the result, and chances are you’ll be denied anyway.