Apple can’t be present in Google’s antitrust case, judges rule

Apple is one of Google’s main rivals in the mobile segment. Android and iOS dominate the global smartphone/tablet OS market share, with one or the other being the most popular depending on the country. However, both companies are also key partners in other related areas. For this reason, Apple requested to present as an interested party on Google’s behalf in the antitrust case. However, the judges have blocked this possibility.

Apple wanted to appear in Google’s antitrust case to defend its interests

One of the main allegations of the US DOJ (Department of Justice) against Google in the antitrust case was related to deals with third parties. These deals focused primarily on setting Google Search as the default online search engine. The Mountain View giant paid large sums to ensure its web search engine reached as many people as possible. Mobile devices and popular browsers were an ideal access route to “hook” the public.

Apple was one of the firms that benefited most from Google’s deals. According to reports, it received payments of up to $20 billion in 2022 and $18 billion in 2021 for setting Google Search as the default search engine in Safari. However, the DOJ’s suggested remedies to resolve Google’s monopoly situation included terminating these deals.

Apple would not go bankrupt for not being able to negotiate new search-based deals with Google. However, we’re talking about tens of billions of dollars, so the hole in the accounts would be significant. Therefore, the Cupertino giant considered it appropriate to join the legal process. In February, the company said that Google “can no longer adequately represent Apple’s interests.” However, that same month, US District Court Judge Amit Mehta denied the request.

Judges block this possibility

Now, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the previous ruling. The main reason for rejecting Apple’s request is that the firm entered the game too late. Apple barely saw fit to appear in the antitrust case to defend its deals with Google in December 2024, while the entire legal process has been ongoing since 2020.

So, Apple will have to settle for being a very minor player in the remainder of the proceedings. The company will be able to offer arguments outside of court, but they will have little bearing on the final decision. Google did not comment on whether Apple should be part of the trial.

That said, it’s possible that Apple and Google could continue to enter into deals. However, these should not be related to Google Search. The DOJ shared its list of revised remedies a few weeks ago. The list contemplated allowing Google to pay Apple for services unrelated to its search engine.

There will be a hearing on the potential remedies in April. A final decision on the changes Google would have to make is expected later this year. However, the company already confirmed that it plans to appeal the main antitrust ruling. Therefore, the situation appears unlikely to resolve quickly or easily.