Apple Shut Out of Google Antitrust Hearing, Facing Multi-Billion Dollar Loss

Apple's attempt to salvage its lucrative search deal with Google has been dealt a blow. A new ruling from the DC Circuit Court of Appeals confirms Apple's exclusion from Google's upcoming antitrust hearing, potentially leaving a multi-billion dollar hole in Apple's balance sheet. Judges cited Apple's late entry into the case. Apple and Google's interests are strongly aligned, with a $20 billion annual deal at stake. Google pays this to be the default search engine in Safari. Government antitrust penalties would make this deal impermissible. The court deemed Apple too slow in choosing sides, filing to participate in the remedy phase 33 days after the initial proposal. While Apple can submit written testimony and amicus briefs, it can't present evidence or cross-examine witnesses.