In this July 21, 2009 file photo, a customer displays an Apple iPhone 3GS at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif.Paul Sakuma/The Associated Press
Apple Inc. is talking to Microsoft Corp about stepping in as the default search engine on the iPhone, replacing Google Inc., according to a report on Bloomberg's website.
Talks between Microsoft and Apple have been going on for weeks, Bloomberg said, citing two people familiar with the matter. The story noted that the negotiations may not conclude quickly and might still fall apart.
Microsoft's Bing search engine is trying to wrest market share from Google, the leader in Internet search.
Once seen as allies against Microsoft's dominance, Google and Apple find themselves competing on a number of fronts, including operating systems and the fast-growing smart phone market.
Apple is also working on ways to manage ads displayed on its mobile devices, a move that would challenge Google's advertising business, the Bloomberg story said.