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Revelations from Google’s ongoing antitrust trial have unveiled substantial financial incentives offered to Samsung for pre-installing the Gemini AI assistant on its devices. Testimony revealed that Google is paying Samsung a significant monthly amount, characterized as an “enormous sum,” to prioritize Gemini over Samsung’s own Bixby.

The payments, which began in January after initial findings of antitrust violations related to similar agreements with Apple and others, were detailed by Google VP Peter Fitzgerald. He mentioned that alternative AI providers like Perplexity and Microsoft also proposed deals to Samsung. However, the Justice Department highlighted the timing of Google’s revised agreements with phone manufacturers, suggesting a pre-emptive move ahead of the trial.

Internal documents also indicated that Google contemplated more restrictive partnerships, potentially requiring pre-installation of Gemini, Search, and Chrome together. The two-year Gemini deal involves fixed monthly payments and a revenue share of Gemini subscriptions for Samsung. While the specific amount remains confidential, DOJ lawyer David Dahlquist emphasized the considerable size of the fixed payments. The DOJ is exploring potential remedies, including prohibiting default placement deals, forcing the sale of Chrome, and mandating Google Search data licensing. Google contends that ending default placement agreements should suffice to resolve the antitrust concerns.