Apple: It's 'Wrong' to Assume We'd Want to Create Our Own Search Engine

Core Insights - The ongoing Google antitrust case may lead to significant changes in the relationship between Google and Apple, particularly regarding revenue-sharing agreements for search engine services [1][7]. Google and Apple Relationship - Google has historically been the default search engine for Apple's Safari browser, with payments to Apple amounting to $20 billion in 2022 for searches conducted on Apple devices [3]. - If the court rules against Google's payments, Apple would face two unfavorable options: either allow Google free access to its user base or remove Google search from Safari and seek alternative deals [5]. Apple’s Position on Search Engine Development - Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, argues against the assumption that Apple would develop its own search engine if the revenue-sharing agreement with Google ends [4][9]. - Cue outlines three reasons why Apple would not pursue a search engine: it would distract from core products, the rapidly evolving search market poses economic risks, and Apple lacks the necessary talent and infrastructure for advertising [9]. Department of Justice Recommendations - The Department of Justice has proposed measures to create a more competitive search environment, including ending agreements that favor Google’s search engine on devices from companies like Apple and Samsung [10]. - Additional recommendations from the DOJ include the potential divestiture of Google's Chrome browser and Android operating system [11].