Google's $18B+ Deal With Apple Faces Scrutiny in DOJ Antitrust Case

Google pays Apple an estimated $18-20 billion per year to be the default iPhone search engine, about 15% of Apple's profits.

The payments are being scrutinized as part of the DOJ's antitrust case against Google.

If Google loses the case, it may have to terminate the deal with Apple.

Google's CEO raised concerns in 2007 about being the only search option in Safari.

DOJ says default settings are very powerful, but Google says users simply prefer its service over rivals.