In a surprising turn of events, Apple has come forward to support Google in its ongoing battle with the Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations of a search monopoly. Alarmed by the potential threat to its lucrative search distribution deals, Apple has issued a strong warning about the repercussions of dismantling its agreement with Google.
Apple rakes in billions by making Google the default search engine in Safari, and its latest filing warns that altering this setup could undermine its ability to offer superior products. This is noteworthy considering that most iPhone and Mac users likely prefer Google Search.
Apple contends that abandoning Google would either compel them to create a search engine they have no desire to develop or result in users facing a distinctly inferior experience. With Apple’s intervention, the stakes have risen dramatically, as their collaboration with Google could potentially shield much of Google’s setup from any lasting impact amid this unfolding drama.
Google has offered the DOJ alternative solutions, such as allowing device manufacturers greater flexibility in selecting default search engines. This approach, unlike the seemingly absurd idea of selling off Chrome, presents a much more feasible approach that may not even require enforcement with Apple’s entry into the fray.
The next hearing is set for April 2025, so little will be decided until then. For the next few months, it looks like Google and Apple will be allies trying to get this situation under control. I can at least say this; I’m feeling better and better by the day that the Chrome browser (and ChromeOS/Chromebooks by extension) won’t leave Google’s purview anytime soon.
