Google Paid Staggering $20 Billion to Remain Default Search Engine on Apple Devices
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Newly revealed court documents shed light on the massive sums Google pays Apple to keep its search engine the default option on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. According to Bloomberg, Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., paid Apple a whopping $20 billion in 2022 for this privilege.
This information comes amidst an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google by the US Department of Justice. The lawsuit alleges that Google maintains a monopoly on search through practices like these billion-dollar deals. By being the default search engine on Apple devices, Google gains a significant advantage in terms of user traffic and, consequently, advertising revenue generated through searches.
Previously, estimates placed Google's payments to Apple for search exclusivity around $18 billion annually. The unsealed documents confirm a figure closer to $20 billion, highlighting the immense value Google places on being the go-to search option for Apple users.
The lawsuit against Google argues that such deals stifle competition and limit user choice. With Google as the default, users might not explore alternative search engines that could potentially offer different features or privacy protections.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of search and online advertising.
