Apple has requested to participate in Google’s upcoming U.S. antitrust trial, stating it cannot rely on Google to fully defend the lucrative revenue-sharing deals that make Google the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser.
These agreements earned Apple an estimated $20 billion in 2022 alone.
In court filings submitted Monday, Apple emphasized it has no plans to develop its own search engine to compete with Google, even if the payments cease. Apple aims to call witnesses at the trial scheduled for April, where prosecutors will argue that Google must take significant steps—potentially including divesting its Chrome browser and Android operating system—to restore competition in online search.
Apple stated that Google, facing broad scrutiny of its business practices, “can no longer adequately represent Apple’s interests.” Meanwhile, Google has proposed easing default agreements with browser developers and device manufacturers but plans to continue revenue-sharing deals.
The case, led by the Department of Justice, could redefine how online search operates in the U.S. Google has declined to comment on the matter. (via Reuters)
