The United States is watching a pivotal antitrust case that centers on Google. The evidentiary phase of the trial wrapped up this week, marking one of the major economic legal battles of the last two decades. Over the past several weeks, the U.S. Department of Justice has argued that the tech giant abused its dominant position in both online search and digital advertising, shaping how people discover information on the internet.
The courtroom action began on September 12 and has drawn testimony from top executives at Alphabet, Google’s parent company, along with other major players such as Samsung and Verizon. Reporters note that these witnesses described payments and arrangements intended to secure a larger share of power in online markets. The proceedings have highlighted the intricate web of commercial ties that underpins modern tech ecosystems.
The core claim rests on a 2020 coalition of White House officials and dozens of states accusing Google of using unlawful means to preserve its control over online search and related advertising markets. The case questions whether such dominance harms competition, limits consumer choices, and stifles innovation. The outcome could redefine how search results are shaped and how the tech landscape evolves in the American economy.
Payments to Apple
Witnesses appearing in federal court in Washington offered unexpected insights into financial arrangements between the two technology heavyweights. At a late-month hearing, it emerged that Google paid Apple approximately 26.3 billion dollars in 2021. This level of compensation helped ensure that Google’s search engine appeared by default on Apple devices, from iPhones to Mac computers. Earlier testimony revealed that Google accounted for as much as 36 percent of the revenue generated through Apple’s Safari browser.
Although the close business relationship between Google and Apple had long been suspected, the new figures had largely remained private until now.
As the judge presiding the case, Amit Mehta, considers the next steps, the timeline remains uncertain. It is not yet clear whether both sides will have the opportunity to present their final defenses in court. Those familiar with courtroom discussions expect a possible conclusion to the trial in the spring, subject to further filings and judicial rulings. The unfolding proceedings continue to attract broad attention from lawmakers, industry observers, and the public alike, who are closely watching for signals about the future of competition and consumer choice in digital markets. Cited reports and remarks from Reuters provide context for these developments.