Google Antitrust Trial Could Shake Up Search Engine Dominance by Banning Default Deals

The antitrust trial against Google could force major changes to search that threaten Google's dominance if the government prevails. The judge could compel Google to allow more competition.

Google pays billions to be the default search on browsers and phones. The trial may ban these deals, allowing rivals like Bing to compete for defaults.

If default deals are banned, devices may show search engine options during setup. Experts say this could reduce Google's hold, as people rarely change defaults.

Banning defaults could raise device prices, as Google currently subsidizes them. But it may free up billions for Google to spend elsewhere.

Broader default bans could force Apple to offer Android services on iPhones. This could open cracks in Apple's closed iOS ecosystem.