In a significant development in the ongoing antitrust trial against Google, recent testimonies have unveiled that the tech giant is paying Samsung a substantial monthly sum to preinstall its Gemini AI assistant on Samsung devices. This arrangement, which began in January 2025 with the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, effectively sidelines Samsung’s own AI assistant, Bixby.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that such exclusive agreements bolster Google’s dominance in the AI and search engine markets, potentially stifling competition. Judge Amit Mehta, overseeing the trial, had previously ruled Google’s search engine as an illegal monopoly, partly due to its default agreements with major tech companies.
Peter Fitzgerald, Google’s Vice President, testified that the Gemini agreement with Samsung includes a two-year term, fixed monthly payments, and a share of ad revenue to Samsung. Internal documents suggest that Google considered even more restrictive distribution terms, raising further concerns about its market practices.
If the DOJ prevails, potential remedies could include banning such default placement deals, compelling Google to sell its Chrome browser, and requiring it to license much of its search data. Google contends that any penalties should be limited to halting such placement deals.
