Google says Microsoft offered to sell Bing to Apple in 2018, but search-quality issues got in the way

According to Google, Microsoft proposed selling Bing to Apple in 2018, but search quality issues hindered the deal.

This disclosure hints at a notable change in the dynamics of the tech industry. Should the deal have been successful, it would have given Apple control of Bing, the second-largest search engine, and potentially altered its position in the digital market. However, issues linked to search quality became an obstacle, emphasizing the crucial role of superior user experience in the fiercely competitive search engine realm.

The implications of this aborted transaction are significant. Apple's acquisition of Bing could have reshaped the balance of power within the digital marketplace, breaking Google's near-monopoly on search engine services. Moreover, the fact that search quality issues became such a major impediment underscores the value that companies place on providing a top-tier user experience.

With this event, it becomes evident that the tech industry is not only about innovation and development but also about strategic alliances and acquisitions. The potential Bing deal serves as a reminder that user satisfaction and search quality are paramount, and that these factors can become deal-breakers in high-stakes negotiations.