Google faces a crisis with Apple following antitrust ruling in the U.S.

Google's relationship with Apple is under threat following a recent court ruling that found it guilty of violating antitrust laws in the United States. This ruling, issued on Monday, has the potential to reshape the competitive landscape in the search engine sector in the country, as it could directly affect the agreement Google has with Apple to be the default search engine on the Cupertino firm's devices. The trial, which began in September of last year, focused on allegations that Google has used its financial power to stifle competition. It is claimed that the company has paid millions of dollars to secure its position as the default search engine on browsers and mobile devices, limiting the ability of its rivals, such as Microsoft Bing and DuckDuckGo, to compete fairly in the market. The court determined that Google has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which prohibits monopolies in the United States, concluding that the company holds a market share of 89.2% in general search services, rising to 94.9% on mobile devices. This raises serious questions about market fairness and the possibility for consumers to access a variety of search services. The ruling has been received as a "historic victory for the American people," according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. However, Google is not backing down, and its President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, has announced the intention to appeal the decision, arguing that the ruling contradicts the recognition of the superiority of its search engine. The ruling not only affects the dynamics between Google and its competitors but also has implications for its relationship with Apple. The Information Services Agreement that both companies signed in 2002 allows Google to be the default search engine on all Apple devices, but this relationship could now be threatened. There has been speculation about the possibility of Apple opting to change its default search engine to DuckDuckGo, in an effort to promote more private browsing. Additionally, the company has shown interest in developing its own "next-generation" search engine, internally known as Pegasus, although it is acknowledged that it does not yet have the same sophistication as Google. Apple's recent investments in artificial intelligence technologies, especially in its digital assistant Siri, suggest that the company may be looking to reduce its dependence on traditional search engines and focus its future on more innovative solutions. This could include the integration of AI tools and chatbots into its ecosystem, allowing users to access various forms of information without relying solely on web searches. Technology expert Mark Gurman has proposed that, in light of the legal context change, Apple may consider offering its users multiple search engine options during the initial setup of their devices, similar to what is already done in the European Union. This measure would allow consumers to choose between Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and other alternatives right from the first use of the device. At its core, this situation raises a broader dilemma about the future of competition in the tech sector and the role of large corporations. The reliance on specific services and the lack of viable alternatives have been a growing concern among both regulators and consumers. The court's decision represents a step toward promoting a more competitive and fair environment, but it also highlights the need for a more balanced approach in developing technologies that benefit the end user. As the case progresses and Google decides how to proceed with its appeal, attention will focus not only on the outcome of this trial but also on how it will change the relationship between two of the world's most powerful companies. The evolution of this case could have lasting consequences on the digital landscape and on how consumers interact with technology in their daily lives.