If they're still not being paid for those choices, I don't see why Apple would do this instead of just making the default Google (or something else reasonable).
In the EU both Google and Microsoft have such selection screens for search engines (and at some point browsers) because of antitrust concerns. I believe Apple also has a browser selection screen on iOS, but I'm not sure if this is the case for search engines.
If antitrust rulings make the case that any such big tech deals are illegal, Apple may not have a choice in the matter.
It's possible that Apple could be forced to do this, but just want to note that the EU Google and Microsoft thing is different. The EU didn't want them to push their own browsers, search engines, or other software on users.
Sure - but what I mean is that Apple seems to be stuck without any good options here. Even if they don't get the $20B/yr, most users will probably either choose google search, or be upset if they don't get google search on mobile safari.
Option 2: Leave the default NULL and when the user first hits search in iOS (and default is NULL), present the list of search providers.