Google has appealed a 2024 ruling that found the company broke antitrust law by paying to remain the default search engine on iPhones. The company filed its appeal with the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, arguing that the verdict was wrong and that its success came from offering a better product, not unfair business practices. In its filing, Google said it became the top search engine because of better technology, larger investments, and hard work. The company argued that Apple selected Google Search for its devices because it offered the best option for users.
Google stated that it did nothing that ‘harm(ed) the competitive process.’ The company said no competing search engines were blocked from making better offers to Apple or other partners such as Mozilla. It also argued there was no evidence showing users would have chosen a different search engine if Google had not signed agreements to be the default choice. ‘Google just prevailed in the marketplace fair and square,’ the company said in the filing, as per MacRumors.
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The appeal also argues that Apple was always free to promote other search engines on its devices. Google pointed to Safari browser settings, where users can switch to rival search options. According to Google, any idea of exclusivity came from Apple’s ‘sound business reasons.’
Google is also challenging remedies introduced after the antitrust ruling. Under the court’s order, the company must begin sharing search-related data, user interaction information, and search results access with competitors. Google is seeking to undo those requirements.
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The company specifically wants AI firms like OpenAI, excluded from receiving such data. Google argued that AI products ‘did not even exist’ during the period examined in the government’s case, making it unfair for them to benefit from Google’s search information. The company also said AI firms are ‘already succeeding as wildly as any technology in human history without any need to free-ride on Google’s success.’
The case began after the US Department of Justice accused Google of maintaining a monopoly in online search, partly through a billion-dollar deal with Apple to make Google the default search engine on Safari.
Although Google can no longer enter exclusive search distribution agreements, it can still pay Apple to remain one of the available search options on iPhones. As per the report, oral arguments in the appeal have not yet been scheduled, meaning a final decision may not come until late 2026 or early 2027.
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