Apple has been officially blocked from participating in an upcoming April court hearing that could impact its massive search deal with Google. The ruling, handed down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, means Apple cannot present live testimony or cross-examine witnesses during the remedy phase of the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Google.
Despite the hearing directly involving the $20 billion annual payment Apple receives from Google to remain the default search engine in Safari, the court found that Apple’s request to intervene came too late.
Missed Timing Costs Apple a Seat
Apple filed its motion to participate on December 23, 2024—nearly four years after the original antitrust suit was filed in 2020. Judge Amit Mehta ruled in January that Apple only attempted to join once it felt its business interests were at risk, not at the outset when it had the chance.
Although Apple will not have an active role during the hearing, the company can still submit written testimony and “friend-of-the-court” briefs. These may influence the proceedings, though not to the degree Apple had hoped.
Billions at Stake in Google Search Ruling
The hearing follows an August 2024 court ruling that found Google guilty of maintaining a monopoly in search and advertising. The ruling highlighted Google’s exclusive agreements with companies like Apple to stay the default engine on major platforms.
Now, the Department of Justice is pushing remedies that could break up Google’s business, including forcing it to divest Chrome. Meanwhile, Google has proposed changes, such as letting browser partners rotate default search providers every 12 months.
Apple opposes these potential changes. Senior Vice President Eddy Cue argued last year that building a separate search engine would cost billions and take years. Apple prefers continuing its partnership with Google.
While Apple remains a central figure in the case, it will watch the courtroom battle from the sidelines. The final order will be confirmed by March 28, just days before the critical hearing begins.
