Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., has paid heavily to become the default search engine in Apple’s Safari browser. In one of its reports, Bloomberg said that Google has given Apple 20 billion dollars (about Rs 1.7 lakh crore) for this. This information has come to light through the documents Google submitted in court.
In America, a case is being brought against Google for having a monopoly in search engines. Google is accused of misusing its position to establish a monopoly in search engine and web advertising.
In November, Google told the court that it pays 36 per cent of the earnings from Safari search to Apple. Now, the company says it spent $20 billion.
Deal Between Google and Apple
Google has been the default search engine in Apple devices—iPhone, iPad, Mac, and others—since 2002. Apple and Google kept this deal secret under the search engine agreement. However, it is public knowledge that Google pays billions of rupees to Apple every year for the default search engine.
In many countries, Google is the default search engine on Apple devices. However, users also have options like Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia.
Option To Choose Default Browser Available In Europe
Apple was forced to change the browser after implementing the Digital Market Act in Europe. iPhone users also get the option to choose the default browser. Apple also gives some more features to users in America.
If Google loses this case, this deal between Apple and Google will end. In this case, closing statements will be recorded on Thursday and Friday. The court may give its verdict on this matter at the end of 2024.
