Apple has intensified its legal battle with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The tech giant accused the regulator’s investigation team of relying heavily on complaints filed by rival companies rather than conducting an independent examination of its App Store practices.
In a submission dated June 25, the iPhone maker argued that the investigation report reproduced allegations made by competitors almost verbatim. Apple urged the CCI to set aside the findings, claiming the probe failed to meet the standards of an objective antitrust investigation.
The case stems from a 2024 investigation in which the CCI concluded that Apple may have abused its position in the iOS app ecosystem by requiring developers to use its proprietary payment system for in-app purchases. Apple has consistently denied the allegations.
Apple said the investigation team relied on submissions from companies including Match Group, PhonePe and Paytm without independently verifying the claims. It also alleged that parts of the report mirrored material from a European antitrust ruling against the company, despite significant differences between the Indian and European smartphone markets.
The company further argued that it was not given a fair opportunity to present oral evidence during the investigation, unlike Google in a previous CCI antitrust case.
Also Read: Apple Risks Rs. 3,800 Cr Fine in India as CCI Tightens App Store Case
Apple maintained that it remains a relatively small player in India, accounting for less than 6% of the country’s smartphone market. It also cautioned that if governments push to alter the App Store’s business model, it could disrupt its connected ecosystem, add regulatory uncertainty, and, in turn, make future funding for India’s digital economy less likely.
The CCI has not publicly responded to Apple’s latest allegations. The regulator has, however, previously accused the company of delaying proceedings by contesting India’s antitrust penalty framework while seeking extensions in the investigation.
Senior CCI officials are set to hold that closed-door hearing with Apple and other related parties on July 21, it’s expected. The way this turns out could shape how App Store regulation in India looks going forward and decide whether Apple faces financial penalties or needs to adjust its day-to-day business approach.