[AuthError]

it's not customer acquisition though, Google can most likely get lot of users off safari to chrome for cheaper but issue would be that Apple would then get incentive to build search (and like apple maps, they can just embed it into everything without option to change default)

disclaimer: Googler here(not in search PA), this is my personal opinion.

[ketzo]

Not trying to be a dick or anything — how is it not customer acquisition?

Google knows that there is some percentage of iPhone users who will only ever search with the default Safari engine. Google really wants those users. Google is paying to make sure those users use Google.

I mean, that is definitionally “customer acquisition cost,” right? Or am I missing something?

[jorvi]

> and like apple maps, they can just embed it into everything without option to change default

The EU would have serious problems with that because of the way Apple used the Music.app > Apple Music transition to basically crowbar themselves into the music streaming market.

[AuthError]

They still do it on maps (someone texts you address it ll only open in apple maps and even if you change default app you cant change that), idk if that's any different in europe

[sooheon]

I think you described customer acquisition in different words.