Apple aims to support Google’s billion-dollar payments in search case – One America News Network
December 24, 2024 – 7:23 AM PST
(Reuters) – Apple (AAPL.O) has requested to take part in the upcoming U.S. antitrust trial regarding Google’s online search practices, emphasizing its inability to depend on Google to defend the revenue-sharing agreements that yield billions for Apple annually due to Google being the default search engine in Safari.
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According to the company’s legal team, Apple does not intend to create its own search engine to rival Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google, regardless of whether the payment arrangements continue. In 2022 alone, Apple reportedly earned around $20 billion from its deal with Google.
Apple plans to summon witnesses to testify during the trial set for April. Prosecutors aim to demonstrate that Google must implement several changes, such as divesting its Chrome web browser and possibly its Android operating system, to restore competitive balance in online search.
“Google can no longer effectively advocate for Apple’s interests: Google must defend against a widespread attempt to dismantle its business divisions,” Apple stated.
The Department of Justice’s case against Google is a pivotal legal proceeding that could alter how consumers access information online.
While Google has suggested adjustments to its default agreements with browser developers, mobile device makers, and wireless service providers, it intends to maintain its agreements for sharing a portion of the ad revenue generated from search.
A representative for Google declined to comment on Tuesday.
Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Rod Nickel
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