Apple blocked from key Google antitrust trial, risking $20 billion deal

In March 2025, a significant ruling from the DC Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that Apple, the American technology giant, will be barred from participating in Google's upcoming antitrust trial. This decision poses a potential threat to the lucrative search placement deal Apple has with Google, valued at $20 billion, as the trial is poised to address serious allegations against Google regarding monopolistic practices in search engine dominance. The legal battle stems from actions initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, marking it as one of the most consequential antitrust cases against a tech company since the 1990s case against Microsoft. This ruling specifically comes after the government highlighted the immense value of search defaults on devices, indicating that most users remain unaware or unconcerned about changing their default search engines. Apple's delay in aligning its position within the case has drawn criticism, as the appeals court noted that its hesitation was difficult to justify amidst the actions being taken against Google. Should the court's judgment favor the government’s proposed remedies, Google may face significant operational changes, which could lead Apple to seek a new search partner for its devices, as currently there are limited alternatives in the search engine market besides Google. Microsoft has long struggled to promote its Bing search engine as a viable competitor. Without a competitive landscape, moving away from Google presents Apple with a conundrum, creating uncertainty over what impact the trial's verdict may have on the ongoing relationship between these two technology behemoths. Moreover, concerns exist about how such changes might influence the balance of power within the online search realm, especially if a new competitor emerges or if a pivotal shift in user behavior occurs. With Google's past struggles framing the technology's future, the implications of this case will extend far beyond immediate financial repercussions for Apple, potentially reshaping the search landscape as consumers’ preferences evolve.