[parker_mountain]

> Why does Google currently pays Apple then?

Because Apple knows how to play hardball.

> Why choose Google if they don't benefit from it?

They benefit about $20B a year.

[barelyauser]

My comment was in response to the nonsensical logic of parent post, not about the current working logic of the industry. If paying was illegal then Apple has no reason to choose Google, as OP stated. Apple is incentivized to push its own search products.