Apple and Google Unite to Defend $20 Billion Search Engine Agreement
Apple Seeks Active Role in Google’s Antitrust Trial to Protect Revenue-Sharing Deal
Apple has formally requested to participate in Google’s upcoming antitrust trial, emphasizing its need to safeguard a lucrative revenue-sharing agreement with the tech giant.
This arrangement, reportedly valued at billions annually, designates Google as the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser. In 2022, Apple is estimated to have earned around $20 billion from this deal.
In court filings submitted Monday, Apple contended that it cannot rely on Google to fully represent its interests during the trial, slated to begin in April 2024. Apple expressed concerns that Google’s broader efforts to resist antitrust measures could overshadow issues specific to their partnership.
“Google can no longer adequately represent Apple’s interests,” Apple stated in the filing. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing for measures that could reshape the online search market and address Google’s alleged monopolistic practices.
Despite its involvement, Apple clarified it has no plans to develop a competing search engine. Instead, the company intends to call witnesses to defend the partnership, citing its value to Apple’s ecosystem and user experience.
The Apple-Google agreement is a pivotal component of Google’s search dominance, which remains under DOJ scrutiny. Prosecutors argue that such default search deals suppress competition and innovation.
In response to these concerns, Google has proposed adjustments to some of its agreements with device manufacturers and browser developers but stopped short of ending revenue-sharing deals like the one with Apple.
The trial poses significant stakes for Apple, extending beyond financial implications. It underscores the company’s reliance on third-party services like Google’s search engine to enhance its offerings, while also spotlighting regulatory pressures on partnerships central to the tech ecosystem.
