However, DuckDuckGo's CEO, Gabriel Weinberg, argued that Google's default position on many mobile browsers acts as a deterrent for users wanting to switch search engines, claiming the process involves "too many steps." Despite this, the new feature in iOS 17 simplifies the transition to alternative search engines, allowing users to replace Google with ease on their iPhones. The trial is expected to last ten weeks, with several Apple executives, including Eddy Cue, set to testify.
Key takeaways:
- Apple's AI chief, John Giannandrea, testified in the Google Department of Justice antitrust trial, highlighting a new feature in iOS 17 that allows users to choose different search engines on their iPhones.
- Despite this new feature, Google remains the default search engine for both standard and private browsing, but users can now change this if they wish.
- Google pays Apple an estimated $4 billion to $7 billion per year to maintain its position as the default search engine on the iPhone.
- The CEO of DuckDuckGo, Gabriel Weinberg, testified that Google's default position on many mobile browsers acts as a deterrent for users wanting to switch search engines.