The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified its antitrust case against Google, suggesting that the tech giant sell off its Chrome web browser.
This move could have significant implications, particularly for Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets, which currently come with Google Chrome pre-installed.
Google holds a dominant position in the internet search engine market, giving it substantial control over how people browse, shop, and consume information online. This dominance even extends to shaping political opinions. Concerned about this monopoly, the DOJ filed an antitrust case against Google back in October 2020.
As part of efforts to curb Google’s influence, the DOJ put forward a proposal in November 2024, urging the company to divest itself of Chrome.
This recommendation, submitted just ahead of the next court hearing scheduled for April 2025, highlights that Chrome is a crucial gateway to internet searches. The DOJ believes that selling the browser would create opportunities for competitors to break free from Google’s control and challenge its monopoly.
Should Google be forced to sell Chrome, it could mean that future Android devices, including Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets, would no longer come with Chrome pre-installed.
Instead, Samsung may exclusively offer its own browser, Samsung Internet, on its devices, with users having the freedom to install Chrome or other browsers if they wish.
Although some users dislike the additional apps Samsung includes on its devices—such as Bixby, Samsung Health, and Samsung Notes—the potential absence of Chrome could make Samsung’s decision to pre-install its own apps a wise one.
Samsung Internet, in particular, stands out for being fast, feature-packed, and highly customisable, offering an alternative if Chrome is no longer the default browser on Android devices.
Google, on its part, has already signaled its intention to appeal the decision. In December 2024, the company proposed several changes, arguing that they would address the concerns raised by the DOJ.
However, if these proposals are deemed insufficient, Google could even face the possibility of having to sell the Android operating system itself.
