Apple's Intervention in Google Antitrust Trial Denied, Trial Set for April 22

U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta has denied Apple's emergency request to halt the upcoming remedies trial against Google, which addresses the tech giant's antitrust violations in the online search market. Apple sought to delay the trial, claiming it would suffer irreparable harm if it couldn't participate, as it aims to protect its lucrative arrangement of being Google's default search engine provider. Judge Mehta ruled that preserving the status quo would allow Google to continue its illegal practices, emphasizing that Apple did not demonstrate satisfactory reasons for a stay. The remedies phase of the trial is set for April, potentially leading to significant changes in Google's business structure, including the possibility of selling its Chrome browser or spinning off Android. Google was previously found liable for maintaining a monopoly, with Apple receiving substantial payments from the company to sustain its default search status. The court's decision underscores the ongoing tensions between large tech firms and regulatory bodies regarding competition and market control.