The impressive Q3 2025 earnings, where Apple pocketed $23.4 billion in profit from the $94.04 billion in revenue it generated in the quarter, were given a healthy push from Google, which pays the Cupertino firm between $18-$20 billion to keep its search engine as the default on multiple devices. For some financial periods, it is estimated that the advertising behemoth’s funds account for around 9 percent of Apple’s gross profits, contributing significantly to the latter’s bottom line. Unfortunately, with the deal at risk of being broken apart by antitrust watchdogs, Apple's CFO warns that the company’s Q4 quarter could be affected.
This is the first time Apple has directly mentioned that it is at risk of losing substantial revenue from Google
Chief Financial Officer Kevan Parekh made some comments during Apple’s Q3 2025 earnings, and the details heard by Six Colors talk directly about losing a major revenue stream in the form of Google. A court document previously revealed that the Mountain View firm paid Apple a jaw-dropping $20 billion to keep its search engine in Safari across the iPhone, iPad, and the Mac.
“As we move into the September quarter, I’d like to review our outlook, which includes the types of forward-looking information that Suhasini referred to. Importantly, the color we’re providing assumes that the global tariff rates, policies, and application remain in effect as of this call, the global macroeconomic outlook does not worsen from today, and the current revenue-share agreement with Google continues.”
In August 2024, a U.S. federal judge ruled the multi-billion-dollar deal between Google and Apple violates antitrust law. Interestingly, the court has yet to sever this arrangement, and assuming that a decision is made that goes against the two companies, Google will probably return with an appeal. We can assume that these legal skirmishes could last for years, and during this period, Apple will continue to be handsomely compensated.
Then again, CEO Tim Cook commented that he does not want to speculate on the court ruling, meaning that the Chief Executive likely wants prying eyes and ears to focus on Apple’s latest feat, which was securing a healthy quarter.
News Source: Six Colors
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
