The Competition Commission of India has intensified scrutiny of Apple in an antitrust probe after the company failed to furnish key financial information. The investigation, initiated in 2021 on a complaint by Together We Fight Society and later supported by Match Group and Indian startup bodies, centres on Apple’s App Store policies and in-app payment rules.
Allegations of market power and developer restrictions
In June 2024, the regulator’s investigation report concluded that Apple abused its dominance in the iOS app distribution market. The findings said developers are compelled to distribute apps through the App Store and adhere to terms that include commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases.
The report also noted Apple’s prohibition of third-party payment solutions and restrictions on steering—rules that prevent developers from directing users to alternative payment methods outside the app. Apple has rejected the allegations, arguing that it holds a relatively small share of India’s overall smartphone market dominated by Android. The CCI counters that Apple wields complete control over app distribution and monetisation for iOS users, making it a gatekeeper within that ecosystem.
Higher penalty exposure under amended law
The stakes rose following amendments to the Competition Act in 2023, which allow penalties to be calculated on a company’s global turnover rather than only on “relevant” turnover from the implicated business line. This change aligns India with stricter global antitrust regimes and significantly increases potential exposure for multinational technology firms.
For Apple, the shift could translate into a penalty assessed on worldwide revenues—potentially up to tens of billions of dollars, according to estimates cited in case filings. Apple has termed this disproportionate, noting that its India App Store revenues are a small fraction of its global sales—reportedly around $350 million. In November 2025, the company challenged the amended penalty framework in the Delhi High Court, which granted interim relief by staying certain data disclosure requirements while the matter proceeds.
Final hearing set for May amid compliance push
Despite the pending court challenge, the CCI has decided to advance its proceedings. In April 2026, the regulator scheduled a final hearing for 21 May and issued a last opportunity for Apple to submit detailed financials. The commission has indicated it may invoke adverse inference principles if the company withholds data.
Antitrust practitioners say that in cases of non-cooperation, the CCI can proceed on the basis of available records and apply the global turnover standard for penalty computation. The outcome is expected to influence how India regulates large digital platforms, particularly around app store rules, in-app billing, and developer choice in payment solutions.
