Highlights

• Apple has joined Google’s antitrust battle to protect their $20 billion annual deal.
• Apple maintains that ending the partnership could harm consumers by removing access to the most popular search engine.
• The penalty phase is set for April 2025 and will determine the future of this partnership

Apple has joined Google in the ongoing antitrust case with the US Government to protect their $20 billion annual deal that makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices.

Apple has argued that this partnership is important for both companies and breaking it could harm consumers alongside the business.

In court documents filed on Monday, Apple reiterated that it has no plans to develop its own search engine due to the risks and costs involved.

The company emphasised that its partnership with Google benefits consumers by offering them access to the most popular search engine.

Apple also argued that making Google available on its devices without compensation would lead to a “perverse result” giving Google an unfair advantage.

Moreover, Apple noted that this deal accounts for around 16% of its operating income for the fiscal year ending September.

Apple’s decision to enter the case comes as Google faces increasing pressure from the Department of Justice, which is pushing for remedies that could include breaking up Google’s business units such as Chrome and Android. Google has proposed ending exclusive agreements like its deal with Apple to avoid further penalties.

However, Apple contends that this would negatively impact both companies and reduce consumer options.

The penalty phase is set for April 2025 and will determine the future of this high-stakes partnership.

Apple plans to call witnesses during this phase underscoring the significance of the deal to its business and to consumer choice.

This legal battle could reshape the dynamics of the online search market and analysts warn that losing this revenue-sharing deal could severely affect Apple’s financial performance.

The outcome could redefine one of Silicon Valley’s most profitable collaborations.

FAQs

Q1. Why has Apple joined Google’s antitrust battle with the U.S. government?

Answer. Apple aims to protect their $20 billion annual deal that makes Google the default search engine on Apple devices, arguing that dismantling it could harm consumers and its own business.

Q2. What does Apple say about its partnership with Google in court documents?

Answer. Apple maintains that its partnership with Google benefits consumers by offering them access to the most popular search engine and argued that making Google available on its devices without compensation would lead to a “perverse result.”

Q3. When is the penalty phase of the Google antitrust case set?

Answer. The penalty phase is set for April 2025 and will determine the future of the high-stakes partnership between Apple and Google, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the online search market.

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