$1 billion Google paid to Apple in 2014 to remain the default iOS search engine

In 2014, Google gave Apple about $1 billion. The money was paid so that Google would stay the default search engine on iPhones and iPads. This means when you type a question in Safari, Google would show the results first.

What was the $1 billion deal?

The deal was a private agreement. Google promised to pay Apple $1 billion each year. In return, Apple would keep Google Search as the first choice on its iOS devices. The amount was first mentioned by Bloomberg. Bloomberg said the figure came from a court transcript in the Oracle v. Google case.

During a hearing on January 14, a lawyer for Oracle named Annette Hearst read the number out loud. A Google witness said the “revenue share was 34 percent” between the two companies. That number shows how much of the money from searches went to Google.

How did the deal become public?

The information was not meant to be public. Both companies tried to hide it. A Google lawyer asked the judge to delete the 34 percent figure from the record. The judge said no. Google then asked the court to seal and redact the transcript.

Apple also asked for the same protection. Google said the terms of the deal were “extremely sensitive” and “highly confidential.” The court later removed the sealed status, and the transcript appeared online.

Because the transcript was public, journalists could read it. Bloomberg reported the $1 billion number. Since then, other analysts have also mentioned the same figure in reports from 2012 and 2013.

Why do Apple and Google need such deals?

Both companies make money from the deal. Google earns money when users click on ads in search results. Apple gets a share of that money without having to build its own search engine.

Apple also benefits because the deal helps keep iPhone users happy. Most people are used to Google Search. By keeping it as the default, Apple does not have to change the user experience.

Google benefits because iPhones and iPads are very popular. More devices mean more searches. More searches mean more ad revenue for Google.

Other big deals between Apple and Google

The $1 billion payment is not the only big deal between the two tech giants. In May 2024, India Today reported that Google paid Apple $20 billion to stay the default search engine in Safari. This shows that the partnership has grown over time.

In 2025 and 2026, new headlines showed a reverse flow of money. Apple started paying Google about $1 billion a year for using Google’s Gemini AI in Siri. The Gemini model will help Siri answer questions better. Sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC wrote about this new AI partnership.

These deals show that Apple and Google rely on each other. Apple needs Google’s search and AI power. Google needs Apple’s huge user base.

How does the deal affect everyday users?

• Search results stay the same: When you open Safari and type a query, you still see Google results first.
• No extra cost for you: The payment is between the companies. It does not change the price of your iPhone.
• Privacy stays important: Both companies say the terms are private, but they must follow local privacy laws.
• Future changes possible: If Apple decides to use a different search engine, the payment amount could change.

FAQ

Did Google really pay $1 billion to Apple?

Yes. Multiple reports, including Bloomberg and court documents, confirm the $1 billion figure for the 2014 deal.

Why is the deal called “secret”?

Both companies asked the court to keep the details hidden. They said the terms were “highly confidential” and tried to seal the transcript.

Is the $1 billion paid every year?

The reports say the amount was a yearly payment. It was meant to keep Google Search as the default on iOS devices each year.

Will Apple ever stop using Google as the default search?

It could happen if Apple finds a better deal or builds its own search engine. Until then, the partnership continues.

Conclusion

The $1 billion payment in 2014 shows how closely Apple and Google work together. The deal kept Google Search on iPhones and iPads. It also gave Apple a steady income stream. Over the years, the partnership has grown, with even larger payments and new AI collaborations. Understanding these deals helps us see why our phones work the way they do and why big tech companies often keep secrets.