Apple is in talks with Microsoft to replace Google, with Bing, as the default search engine on its iPhone, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The talks have been under way for weeks, say the people, who asked not to be named because the details have not been made public.
A deal between Apple and Microsoft may mean iPhone owners would automatically get Microsoft’s Bing as the main search engine, possibly requiring users to actively change phone settings if they want to search via Google.
Google is now the default search engine on the iPhone. To search via Bing, a user needs to download a Bing application or go through the browser to call up bing.com.
Microsoft may also be lobbying to make Bing an alternative on Apple’s Safari browser for Mac users. Currently, Mac users can choose either Google or Yahoo search through the Safari browser.
