Apple’s defense in Google’s monopoly lawsuit
Last year, courts in the U.S. decided that Google has too much control over the search engine market. Even though Apple isn’t on trial, the results of the case could change things for them too. That’s why Apple is stepping up to fight for its agreements with Google.
Apple Earns Big from Google’s Default Status in Safari
The lawsuit against Google started in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Justice. It pointed out that Google pays Apple a lot of money to make sure its search engine is the one automatically used on Safari, Apple’s web browser. The court’s decision wasn’t good for Google, suggesting they might have to stop these payments.
These payments are a big deal for Apple, bringing in about $20 billion in 2022. Losing this money would hurt Apple’s wallet, so they want to have a say in the trial.
Apple Aims to Protect Its Financial Interests
This isn’t Apple’s first attempt to get involved in this legal battle. They’ve asked before to help decide the outcomes, arguing that Google doesn’t look out for Apple’s best interests. But the court said no because there wasn’t enough time. Now, Apple is asking for a delay to properly defend their agreements with Google.
Apple warns that losing these deals could seriously damage their business. However, the U.S. Department of Justice thinks Apple shouldn’t be part of the case.
What Might Happen Next
Interestingly, breaking up the deals between Apple and Google isn’t the harshest penalty suggested. Other ideas include making Google sell Chrome or even separating Android from services like Google Search and the Play Store.
We should hear a final decision soon. If Google is forced to end its search engine agreements with Apple, Apple will need to find a new way to include search on its devices without Google’s financial support.