Google paid $1 billion to be the default search engine on the iPhone

[Wireless News]

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/QpwucoMy.k9IGBMn2vG9WA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9ODY7cT03NTt3PT EzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/digital_trends_973/704cb994e79d3eb0bfb51089a19e05f2 (http://news.yahoo.com/google-paid-1-billion-default-122242891.html)Google and Apple’s relations have deteriorated in the past few years, to the point where the search giant is apparently paying a significant amount to remain the default search engine for the iPhone. The agreement includes a $1 billion payment from Google to Apple in 2014 and an advertising revenue split between the two companies, according to a court transcript from the Oracle vs. Google copyright lawsuit that was spotted by Bloomberg. Related:- California anti-encryption bill might force Apple to stop sales While the current revenue split was not disclosed, Annette Hurst, Oracle’s attorney who disclosed this information, said at one point that the split was 34 percent. She didn’t say which side received the 34 percent, however; we assume it was Apple. The revenue share is more surprising, since Apple chief executive Tim Cook attacked Google and Facebook in 2015 for “business models that undermine users’ privacy,” a rather hollow statement if Apple took what can only be assumed to be a small fortune from that exact business model. Apple and Google have both declined to comment, Bloomberg reported, but both companies requested a separate filing for the “highly sensitive” information. The original request from Google was denied, but the transcript has since been removed from electronic court records. Google holds-94 percent of the market share for mobile search, according to-Net Market Share,-which makes the deal between Apple and Google puzzling. Does it help prop up that number? Or was it simply gravy for the search giant? That said, Apple Maps sees three times more usage-than Google Maps, and Safari takes home 55 percent of mobile browser usage. iPhone users clearly prefer the default service most of the time. Related:- Is Apple finally mapping out a strategy for Apple Maps? The number is still unverified and unofficial, but Oracle has been allowed to look at classified information on Google’s expenses and incomes, including the revenue and profit from Android. It is part of an ongoing lawsuit against Google for using Java software without paying Oracle for it, with the enterprise software giant seeking $1 billion in damages. Also watch: Google Chrome about to run much faster, gobble less data Please enable Javascript to watch this video



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