Apple has stepped up its legal battle with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), accusing antitrust investigators of relying on complaints from rival companies instead of conducting an independent investigation into its App Store practices.
In a submission dated June 25, the technology giant argued that the CCI’s findings were largely a “copy-paste” of allegations made by competitors, including Match Group and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF). Apple has asked the regulator to set aside the investigation report, claiming it is based on flawed reasoning and insufficient independent analysis.
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The dispute centres on Apple’s App Store policies, particularly its requirement that developers use the company’s in-app payment system for digital purchases. The CCI’s investigation, completed in 2024, concluded that Apple had engaged in anti-competitive conduct within the iOS app ecosystem, paving the way for further regulatory proceedings and possible financial penalties.
Apple, however, has rejected the allegations, maintaining that it cannot be considered a dominant player in India’s smartphone market. The company argued that its market share is below six per cent, making it too small to exercise the market dominance required for an abuse of dominance case under competition law.
The iPhone maker also warned that forcing changes to its App Store business model could undermine the integrated ecosystem it has built by combining hardware, software and digital services. According to Apple, regulatory intervention could negatively affect its operations and future investments in India.
The case has become one of Apple’s biggest regulatory challenges in the country since the CCI launched its investigation in 2021 following complaints from app developers and digital industry groups. It also forms part of a wider global scrutiny of Apple’s App Store policies, with regulators in several countries examining issues related to developer commissions, payment systems and app distribution rules.
The stakes are particularly high in India after changes to the country’s competition laws allowed penalties to be calculated on a company’s global turnover rather than only its domestic revenue. According to reports, senior CCI officials are expected to hear submissions from Apple and other parties during a closed-door hearing scheduled for July 21 before deciding the next course of action.
