Despite rumors to the contrary, Apple is unlikely to dump Google as the default search engine for the iPad, says Barclays Capital analyst Douglas Anmuth. "Overall, we believe there is a better
than 50% probability that Google remains the default on Apple mobile devices -- if nothing more because Apple is extremely focused on the user experience and Google's 65%+ search market share speaks
for itself," Anmuth writes in a research note.
"As a result, Apple may not want to risk disrupting the iPad or iPhone user experience with a shift to Bing." Anmuth notes that Microsoft has
bought Bing some distribution via toolbar deals with HP, Dell, and Verizon. Still, a Apple deal would represent a major coup for the search underdog.