Apple has formally requested to participate in Google's upcoming U.S. antitrust trial over online search dominance. The company seeks to safeguard its billion-dollar revenue-sharing agreements with Google, which position the search giant as the default engine on Apple's Safari browser. Apple reportedly earned an estimated $20 billion from this arrangement in 2022 alone.
In court filings submitted on Monday, Apple stated it could no longer depend on Google to protect its interests, particularly as Google faces increasing scrutiny over its business practices. The trial, set for April, could result in significant changes to the online search landscape, with prosecutors arguing that measures such as divesting Google's Chrome browser and Android operating system may be necessary to restore competition.
Apple clarified that it does not intend to create its own search engine to rival Google, regardless of the trial's outcome or the continuation of its agreements with the search giant. However, the company plans to call witnesses to testify in defense of the existing revenue-sharing framework, emphasizing its importance to Apple's business model.
Google, in response, has proposed loosening its default agreements with browser developers, mobile-device manufacturers, and wireless carriers, although it has not agreed to end its ad revenue-sharing deals outright.
The Department of Justice's case against Google marks a critical moment in antitrust law, with potential implications for how users access information online. Apple’s involvement underscores the high stakes for both companies in maintaining their current collaboration.
A spokesperson for Google declined to comment on the developments.
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