Tech-driven mouths on the web are pointing out to the possibility of Apple developing its own search engine. Clearly, Apple would be pleased with having more control, rather than having its users rely on Google, but the proof that the company is acting in this direction isn't very solid.

In fact, there is no proof at all. It's just what the headline reads, that is "speculation." TechCrunch notes that, with a 6-7% market share, Apple's Safari could well swap Google for an Apple solution, adding MobileMe “that brings some hard core users to their servers daily,” the rumor goes.

However, Apple hasn't been spotted doing any hiring in this field. It is unlikely for the company to start work on such a big business project without some specialized personnel - and we reckon hiring Papermaster is not some complex move that will eventually lead to the release of an Apple search engine. So, what is fueling this rumor?

Well, for starters, Apple is known for wanting to provide the complete experience. Just as it does with its all-in-one desktop computer, the iMac, Apple would rather have its users rely only on Apple solutions, both hardware and software. However, a search engine isn't just software. It's something way bigger than that, and it can fetch Apple a substantial gain through advertising, although it would get fed by Google at first.

Yet, the most important clue (so to speak) is that Apple clearly doesn't like the search experience on its mobile devices, according to the rumors. This is said to be Apple's main reason for building a radically different user experience, based on rich, visual appeal and intuitiveness – in short, the Apple-way. The company was also reserved when customers approached sensitive topics, like Flash on the iPhone, or Opera's web browser in the App Store, adding two more aspects to considering an in-house developed search engine.

The question, however, remains, “does anyone else think Apple is prepping to roll out its own search engine?”