Google considered blocking Safari users from accessing its new AI features, report says - 9to5Mac

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Google's efforts to reduce its reliance on Apple's Safari browser, which is a key component of the ongoing Justice Department investigation into Google's dominance in the search industry. The article focuses on Google's attempts to increase the share of searches from iPhone users outside of Safari, as the company pays Apple upwards of $20 billion per year to be the default search engine on the iPhone.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Google's Efforts to Reduce Reliance on Safari

1. What are the key aspects of Google's efforts to reduce its reliance on Apple's Safari browser?

• Google has been trying to persuade iPhone owners to use the Google or Chrome apps for their searches, rather than Safari
• Google's goal is to increase the share of searches from iPhone users that are done through its own apps to 50% by 2030
• This would reduce the amount of money Google pays to Apple, as the revenue-sharing agreement is based on searches done in Safari
• However, Google has faced challenges in convincing users to switch from the pre-installed Safari app on Apple devices

2. What other steps has Google taken as part of this effort?

• Google hired former Instagram and Yahoo executive Robby Stein to oversee the push away from Safari
• Google executives considered limiting its AI Overviews feature to only appear in its own apps, and not in Safari, but ultimately decided against that move

[02] Antitrust Investigation and Apple's Role

1. How is the Justice Department's antitrust investigation against Google related to its deal with Apple?

• The Justice Department's case against Google includes the company's deal with Apple to be the default search engine on the iPhone
• The Justice Department says this deal hinders competition in the search engine industry, as Google pays Apple upwards of $20 billion per year to retain that default status
• While Apple is not named as a party in the lawsuit, the case has led to testimonies from Apple executives such as Eddy Cue

2. What is the potential impact of the antitrust case on Google's relationship with Apple?

• The outcome of the Justice Department's antitrust case against Google is expected sometime in the next few months
• This could potentially impact Google's ability to maintain its lucrative deal with Apple to be the default search engine on the iPhone