Apple’s Tim Cook and Google’s Sundar Pichai Explored “Deep Partnership” in 2018, Raising Antitrust Questions

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In an unexpected twist, the heads of tech giants Apple and Google, Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai, reportedly contemplated a “deep deep” partnership during a meeting in 2018. The revelation suggests a willingness to integrate services more closely and work as if the two companies were one. While such collaboration could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, it also raises eyebrows among antitrust regulators, not only in the United States but globally.

During the 2018 meeting, Cook expressed his desire for a stronger alliance with Google to the search giant’s senior management, including CEO Sundar Pichai. The goal was to overcome any inherent barriers and foster closer collaboration between the two tech behemoths. Pichai, in response, showed interest in boosting iPhone numbers and assured Cook of Google’s commitment to addressing Apple’s concerns. The discussion also hinted at a willingness to share information more openly, with Pichai suggesting an extension of the terms of their existing agreement.

Key quotes from the meeting underscore the ambitious vision both leaders had for their companies: “Our vision is that we work as if we are one company.” This aspiration towards a seamless integration of services could reshape the competitive landscape in the tech industry, with Apple and Google potentially joining forces in unprecedented ways.

The significance of this revelation becomes apparent when considering Apple’s historical stance on Google’s Android operating system. In a 2013 internal email, Apple referred to Android as a “massive tracking device,” emphasizing privacy concerns. This internal communication, disclosed during the ongoing Google antitrust trial by the US Department of Justice, contrasts sharply with Cook’s 2018 vision for a deeper partnership.

The evolving dynamics between Apple and Google once considered direct rivals with competing smartphone operating systems, raise intriguing questions about the future of their relationship. While the desire for collaboration appears to be mutual, it remains to be seen how this potential partnership will navigate the complex landscape of antitrust regulations and market competition.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, the revelation of Cook and Pichai’s discussions in 2018 adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of these two influential companies. The extent to which they can work as one, as envisioned by Cook, may have broader implications for the future of technology and business alliances.