The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has dealt a significant blow to Apple's efforts to protect its lucrative search deal with Google, blocking the tech giant's request to intervene in the federal antitrust trial against Google. The ruling upholds a previous decision by US District Court Judge Amit Mehta, who denied Apple's request to take a limited role in the remedies phase of the Google Search monopoly hearing.

The court's decision is based on the fact that Apple took too long to file its request, having waited until December 23rd to intervene in a case that started in 2020. As a result, Apple will have to settle for submitting briefs outside the hearing to share its concerns, rather than being able to present its case in person.

The stakes are high for Apple, as the arrangement in which it sets Google as the default search engine on iPhones is reportedly worth $18 billion in 2021 and $20 billion in 2022. Apple's concerns about losing the ability to "reach other arrangements with Google" were outlined in its motion to intervene in December. However, the Justice Department has made changes to the proposed final judgment that would allow Google to pay Apple for services unrelated to search, potentially mitigating some of Apple's concerns.

The Justice Department won its antitrust case against Google last year, finding that the company maintains a monopoly on search and advertising. The current hearing is focused on determining remedies against Google, which could include the DOJ's recommendation that the company divest from its Chrome browser and make changes to its Android business.

The implications of this ruling are significant, as it could have a major impact on the search landscape and the relationship between Apple and Google. If the DOJ's remedies are implemented, it could lead to a shift in the way search is conducted on Apple devices, potentially opening up opportunities for other search providers. Additionally, the ruling could have broader implications for the tech industry, as it highlights the ongoing scrutiny of big tech companies and their business practices.

As the case continues to unfold, it will be worth watching to see how Apple responds to this setback and whether it will be able to find alternative ways to protect its interests. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the tech industry and could have far-reaching consequences for consumers.

In a broader context, this case is just one example of the ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing big tech companies. As regulators and lawmakers continue to examine the business practices of companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon, it's clear that the tech industry is entering a new era of accountability and oversight.