Google Inc (GOOG), Apple Inc. (AAPL) & The Samsung Playbook

The frenemy relationship that exists between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) jumped into the spotlight with Apple Maps debacle. After kicking Google Maps out of the built-in list of apps that came with iOS — YouTube got its pink slip at the same time — the importance of Google apps to iPhone users immediately became apparent. The fact that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Maps was riddled with bugs, some of which still persist, had a little something to do with that. Despite the fraught relationship, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google benefit from one another in important ways.

Can Google Samsung Apple?
Even as Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) finds ways to allow its apps to communicate more and more effectively behind the enemy lines of iOS, it seems unlikely that Google will ever get a full stronghold in place. Just as nobody expects Apple to open up the home and lock screens to Facebook, Cupertino isn’t known for playing nicely with others. Expect Google to test the limits of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s patience, but if Google apps get too powerful, more pink slips may be issued from Tim Cook’s office.

Perhaps the most important part of the development is what it represents for the smartphone industry. As the titans continue to battle across hardware, apps, meta apps, and interconnectivity, it may be that no one system ends up ruling the day. Users may prefer an Apple piece of hardware with Google apps and Facebook running the whole show. This promises to be a big win for consumers, assuming that these companies can learn to cooperate, which is far from a foregone conclusion.

The article Did Google Just Samsung Apple? originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Doug Ehrman.

Fool contributor Doug Ehrman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Apple, Facebook, and Google.

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