The default Google search status in iOS Safari could yield $ 9 billion from Apple Windfall

Regarding the default search on web browsers – whether on mobile or on the desktop – most people do not bother to switch to another provider. That's why it's so important for companies like Google or Microsoft to make their search engine the "default" mode of as many browsers as possible.

Google Chrome is the most popular browser on the planet. It is therefore undeniable that Google Search is defined by default. However, what about the Safari browser in iOS? Apple could hold only 15% of the global market for smartphone operating systems, but that still represents hundreds of millions of devices. Google wants its search engine to default to Safari's iOS version and, over the years, has paid a heavy price for this distinction.

In 2014, it is said that Google has paid $ 1 billion to Apple to remain the default search engine in iOS. Last year this figure would have tripled to $ 3 billion. According to Goldman Sachs analyst Rod Hall, to renew his contract for 2018, it is said that this amount will triple again to $ 9 billion. If that were not enough, it is said that Google's payment to Apple could still increase in 2019 to reach $ 12 billion.

It is likely that the figure of $ 9 billion taken into account takes into account the state of the default search engines in iOS Safari as well as the results provided by the Spotlight global search and the results provided by Siri.

That said, for some who are not satisfied with the Google iOS Safari search, there are other solutions. The mobile operating system also allows you to choose Bing, Yahoo or DuckDuckGo.

This is certainly a delicate balance that Apple and Google must play with regard to their search arrangements. Google is willing to pay a hefty sum to access Apple's massive and incredibly loyal base of installations, and the return on investment is probably much greater thanks to the search revenue generated by these users.

As for Apple, it can turn the screws on Google into "easy money", but if the company becomes too greedy, customers will see their default results taken by suppliers who often do not provide complete results. Since most people will not change their default search engine (despite the fact that it's easy to do), Apple will probably be excited about its customers.