Businessweek reports that Apple and Microsoft are currently in negotiations to replace Google as the default search engine on the iPhone with Microsoft’s Bing. The negotiation have reportedly been underway for weeks.

Businessweek quoted the increasing rivalry between Google and Apple as one of the reasons behind the discussions.

“Apple and Google know the other is their primary enemy,” says one of the people, who’s familiar with Apple’s thinking. “Microsoft is now a pawn in that battle.”

If the negotiations are successful, it could also mean that Bing could eventually replace Google as the default search engine for Apple’s desktop version of Safari as well.

Even if Apple and Microsoft do come to an agreement, Businessweek notes that this may just be a time-buying move on Apple’s part who is reportedly working on their own search technology.

- source: businessweek.com