Yahoo and Apple: When it comes to search engine prowess, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is top dog, with Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ:YHOO) playing catch up. In the world of technology, more specifically the smartphone space, many view Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) as the company at the top.
With Google’s Android operating system competing directly with Apple, it is hard to imagine that the two companies would want to get too close to one another, particularly from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s standpoint..
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, this is exactly what is happening.
“The two companies have been discussing how more of Yahoo’s services can play a prominent role on Apple’s iPhone and iPad devices, people briefed on the matter said.”
This may not mean that a more meaningful partnership is coming in the near future, but the pure fact that the two sides are in discussions is a big deal, and is an interesting potential situation that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s likely keeping a close eye on.
As Apple iPhone users are well aware, their smartphone came preloaded with apps such as Yahoo Finance and Yahoo Weather. So, in short, the two are already working together in a small way.
With all that being said, it appears that for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) want to partner up on more than that. This includes “possible deals to get more content from Yahoo News and its other Web properties loaded onto Apple devices or available through an expanded Siri partnership, one of these people said.”
The article goes on to note that “no deal is imminent” and that “representatives for both Yahoo and Apple declined to comment.”
Yahoo’s CEO has made it no secret that the company needs to improve its mobile presence. What better way of doing so than by getting more involved with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)?
On the other side of the equation, Apple is trying to distance itself from Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). With that in mind, the Cupertino-based company has to keep this in mind: Google is still the number one search engine in the world.
The WSJ adds the following:
“But Apple executives including Eddy Cue, a senior vice president in charge of Internet software and services, have said the company isn’t willing to sacrifice the quality of search results and that Google’s remain the best, these people said.”
At this point, it is hard to say what is next in regards to a potential partnership between Apple and Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO). As we learn more, we will keep you updated.
Check back here for more updates on Yahoo and Apple.
DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.
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