Google is shelling out an “enormous sum” to Samsung to pre-install its Gemini AI app on Galaxy devices, a move revealed during an antitrust trial with the US Department of Justice. This deal, echoing Google’s past payments to secure its search engine’s dominance, has raised eyebrows as it’s been flagged as illegal twice before. With Gemini front and center on Samsung’s latest flagship phones, the DOJ is worried Google is tightening its grip on both search and AI markets.
Google is making hefty monthly payments to Samsung to preload Gemini AI on Galaxy phones
Google is no stranger to paying for prime real estate on devices. It’s been forking over billions to Apple devices for default search status and previously paid Samsung $8 billion from 2020 to 2023 to pre-install Google Search and the Play Store, per the 2023 Epic Games lawsuit.
Now, court documents from the ongoing DOJ trial show that Google is making hefty monthly payments to Samsung to ensure that Gemini AI is preloaded on Galaxy phones, starting with the Galaxy S24 series in January 2025. The deal, which could extend to 2028, includes a cut of Gemini’s ad revenue for Samsung, though exact figures stay under wraps. DOJ lawyer David Dahlquist called it an “enormous sum.”
This arrangement powers Galaxy AI features, some exclusive to Samsung, giving Google a massive platform to refine its AI while Samsung cashes in. But the DOJ argues it’s a rerun of Google’s monopolistic playbook, using its search dominance to boost AI and funnel users back to Google. With rulings already deeming such payments illegal, the trial’s outcome could force Google to ditch these deals or even sell Chrome, shaking up its cozy Samsung partnership and the broader AI race.
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