Google Argues Apple Chose Superior Google Search Over Microsoft’s Bing as Safari’s Default
Highly respected news website reports on Google’s claim of Apple’s consistent preference for Google as Safari’s default search engine.
In the recently filed court documents, Google has provided evidence of Microsoft’s numerous attempts to pitch Bing as the default search engine for Apple’s Safari web browser. However, Apple repeatedly declined Microsoft’s offers, citing concerns over Bing’s quality. Google’s legal team argues that Apple’s choices to select Google as the default search engine for its Safari users demonstrate healthy competition in the market.
The Quality Comparison
Google’s filing emphasizes that Apple thoroughly evaluated the relative quality of Bing as compared to Google on multiple occasions. Apple consistently concluded that Google was the superior search engine, which influenced their decision to opt for Google as the default choice for Safari users.
Microsoft’s Significant Investment in Bing
According to the Justice Department’s filing, Microsoft has allocated nearly $100 billion to enhance Bing over the past two decades. Bing was launched in 2009 following Microsoft’s search efforts under the MSN and Windows Live brands. Despite Microsoft’s substantial investment and efforts, Bing’s global market share stands at a mere 3% as per StatCounter. In stark contrast, Google’s search and other revenues have amounted to a staggering $48 billion in the last quarter, as reported by CNBC.
Microsoft’s Attempts to Sell Bing
Google’s filing discloses that in 2018, Microsoft approached Apple by emphasizing the improvements in Bing’s quality. Microsoft even offered to sell Bing to Apple or establish a Bing-related joint venture with the company. Apple, however, remained determined in their preference for Google as Safari’s default search engine.
Apple’s Assessment of Bing
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, stated that “Microsoft search quality, their investment in search, everything was not significant at all.” He clarified that Bing’s search quality and investment did not measure up to Google’s standards. The filing pointed out that Apple would have developed its own search engine if not for the substantial payments they received from Google, reported the Justice Department.
Microsoft’s Exploratory Talks with Apple
Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, reported in September that Microsoft executives had engaged in “exploratory” discussions with Eddy Cue about a potential sale of Bing to Apple around 2020. However, the outcome and further details of these talks remain undisclosed.
Perspective on Google’s Dominance
Industry observers speculate on whether Google can retain its dominant position in the tech industry. Loop’s Rob Sanderson shares his insights on the topic in an interview accessible here.
Please note: Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other parties mentioned in the article have not provided immediate comments on the latest revelations.
