Microsoft’s search engine, Bing, was reportedly considered as a potential replacement for Google on Apple devices. According to sources familiar with the matter, talks between the two tech giants did take place, but the deal did not progress beyond the initial conversation stage.
Microsoft executives approached Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, to discuss the possibility of Bing becoming the default search provider on Apple devices. However, Cue ultimately brokered a deal with Google, stating in court that he believed Google was the best search engine and that there was no valid alternative.
Money also played a crucial role in the discussions, with Microsoft considering the possibility of outspending Google. The CEOs of both companies, Satya Nadella from Microsoft and Tim Cook from Apple, even met during the negotiations.
Had Bing been acquired by Apple, it is likely that the search engine would have undergone a rebranding and redesign to align with the Apple ecosystem. However, it seems unlikely that Apple would have integrated Bing into its ecosystem in the same way Microsoft has with their AI-powered features.
Despite the significant monetary offer, Apple does not seem interested in acquiring Bing. The tech giant remains committed to its partnership with Google for providing search services on its devices.
These revelations shed some light on the behind-the-scenes discussions between two of the biggest players in the tech industry. However, it remains to be seen if Microsoft will continue to explore other avenues to potentially expand the reach of its search engine beyond its current user base.
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