Google’s substantial $20 billion payment to Apple for maintaining Google’s search engine as the default on Apple devices has raised eyebrows in the tech world, with many, including Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, criticizing the deal for suppressing fair competition. In a bold move, Apple sought to join the legal fray as a defendant in this lucrative agreement. However, the latest reports reveal that this bid was thwarted by the presiding judge, who pointed out that Apple’s request came far too late in the legal proceedings.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, commenting on Apple’s timing, noted that the tech giant squandered months before stepping forward to defend the deal. Their delayed application attempted to introduce three additional witnesses in an effort to fortify their defense of Google’s deal, but the judge was not convinced. As Mehta bluntly stated, Apple should have realized that waiting over two months in a case slated to last merely eight months would cause unacceptable delays.
Apple’s request, lodged on December 23—right before Christmas—was deemed an effort that could disrupt the trial timeline and potentially stir up additional complications. They argued that their involvement was crucial for Judge Mehta to render a fair verdict, as they believed it would provide a complete picture of the situation. If the judge had accepted Apple’s intervention, it might have set a precedent, unleashing a wave of similar requests from other companies with stakes in Google’s search engine empire. This outcome could have led to considerable difficulties for both Google and the Department of Justice.
Despite denying the request, the judge did offer Apple a lifeline. The company can act as an amicus curiae, allowing them to submit post-hearing suggestions in upcoming months. This ensures that Apple’s perspective is taken into consideration when final decisions are being crafted.
Apple is likely to capitalize on this opportunity to contribute its views, especially given the substantial financial implications. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, has previously stated that there is no real alternative to Google Search, signaling a sustained partnership for the foreseeable future. With billions on the line, Apple is keen to remain intertwined with Google’s search engine prowess.
