Apple is in talks with Microsoft to have the latter’s search service Bing replace Google as the default search on the iPhone, according to a new report. Citing two people familiar with the matter, BusinessWeek reports that the talks have been under way for weeks, but could still potentially fall apart and may not be concluded quickly.
Google has been the default search engine on the iPhone since its launch, with Yahoo! an alternative, and also provides the data and maps for the iPhone OS’ Maps application, but has been in increasing competition with Apple through its smartphone operating system Android. In addition, Apple purchased mapping company PlaceBase in 2009, and it is possible Apple plans to implement the company’s technologies in to a new version of the Maps application that is less dependent on Google’s services.
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