Google: Apple Search Deal Not Yet Up For Renewal, Is “Important” To The Business

Many expected that by now Apple would either have renewed its search deal with Google or gone with another partner. But Google said today there’s still time on the clock. Talks are continuing, and the company sees keeping the Apple deal as important to its business.

The news came today at Re/code’s Code Conference, when Google’s chief business officer Omid Kordestani was interviewed by Kara Swisher.

Kordestani said that the contract “isn’t up for renewal right now,” which suggests that it’s still in force. But the clock to expiration is clearly ticking, as he also said that renewal talks are happening.

“We’d love to continue our partnership with them and doing our best to work with them, and that’s all I can say for now,” he said.

Asked if the Apple deal was critical to Google’s success — one estimate getting attention today is that 75% of Google mobile search revenue comes from it — Kordestani said “Yes, it’s important” and that Google “would love to renew it.

Below, our live blog of the interview, which also covers other topics.