Google Appeals Antitrust Ruling, Claims Apple Chose Search on Merit

Google appealed a 2024 ruling that found it violated antitrust law by paying to be the default search engine on iPhones. In a filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the company argued that the district court erred when it concluded Google's search success stemmed from anything other than competition on merit.

Google stated it surpassed competitors through better innovation, more investments, and "just working harder," which is why Apple selected Google Search as the default option on Apple devices. The filing asserts that whether or not Google has monopoly power, the company did nothing that "harm[ed] the competitive process." It did not impede rivals' opportunities to make offers or Apple's and Mozilla's ability to choose a better one. There was no finding or evidence that Google's customers would have selected a rival absent the agreements, according to Google, which said it "prevailed in the marketplace fair and square."

The appeal highlights that Apple remained free to distribute and promote rival search engines. Google pointed to alternative browser options available in Safari settings as evidence. It argued that any exclusivity identified by the district court reflected Apple's choice for "sound business reasons."

Google is seeking to overturn the remedies imposed to address its search monopoly. Those measures require it to share search data, provide information on user interaction, and syndicate its results to competing companies. The company aims to have the entire ruling thrown out. It specifically wants generative AI companies like OpenAI excluded from receiving any data, noting that AI products "did not even exist" during the period covered by the Department of Justice's case. Google added that these AI companies are "already succeeding as wildly as any technology in human history without any need to free-ride on Google's success."

Google pays Apple billions of dollars each year to serve as the default Safari search engine, a deal that formed a major element of the DOJ antitrust lawsuit. The court did not block Google from continuing search agreements with Apple. While Google is prohibited from entering exclusive contracts for search distribution, it remains permitted to pay to be a search option on the iPhone. The DOJ had sought to force Google to sell its Chrome browser and offload the Android operating system, but neither action was ordered.

The remedies took effect on February 3. Google has not yet been required to provide data, however, because implementation details remain unresolved. A five-member Technical Committee established by the overseeing judge has not yet outlined license terms, privacy safeguards, or criteria for which companies qualify as competitors. Oral arguments for the appeal have not been scheduled, making it unlikely for further developments until late 2026 or early 2027.