Archive · 16 Jan 2026
India Warns Apple of Antitrust Case Proceeding
India's competition watchdog, the CCI, has given Apple a final warning to respond to an antitrust case.
The CCI says Apple has delayed its responses for over a year, which has slowed down the investigation.
Apple is worried it could be fined up to $38 billion.
The company has challenged the penalty rules in court, and the next hearing is on January 27.
The CCI has said it will proceed with the case if Apple doesn't respond by next week.
This case started in 2022 and involves other companies like Tinder-owner Match and Indian startups.
The CCI wants to use Apple's global revenue to calculate the fine, but Apple says it should only be based on its Indian revenue.
Apple says its App Store is safe for developers, but the CCI says Apple's rules are unfair.
India's CCI has issued a final warning to Apple to respond to an antitrust case or face unilateral proceedings.
Apple could face a fine of up to $38 billion if the CCI uses its global turnover for penalty calculation.
The CCI rejected Apple's request to pause the case while the penalty rules are disputed in court.
Apple has been granted repeated extensions but has not provided the required financial details.
The antitrust battle involves Apple, Tinder-owner Match, and Indian startups since 2022.
- Who
- Apple and the Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- What
- Antitrust case against Apple for alleged abuse of its app store's dominant position
- When
- The CCI issued a final warning on December 31, with a response deadline of next week
- Where
- India
- Why
- Apple delayed responses to officials for over a year, undermining the investigation
Apple's Stance
CCI's Stance
Penalty Calculation
Apple's Stance
Apple argues that any fine should be based on its India turnover since the alleged violations occurred within the country.
CCI's Stance
The CCI insists on calculating penalties based on Apple's global turnover, as per the Competition Amendment Act, 2023.
Investigation Delay
Apple's Stance
Apple has sought repeated extensions to respond to the CCI, citing legal challenges to the penalty rules.
CCI's Stance
The CCI views Apple's repeated requests for extensions as deliberate stalling that undermines procedural discipline and impedes the timely conclusion of proceedings.
App Store Practices
Apple's Stance
Apple denies wrongdoing and maintains that its App Store offers a secure and reliable platform for developers.
CCI's Stance
The CCI found Apple guilty of 'abusive conduct' over its iOS App Store policies, including imposing a mandatory 30% commission and forcing apps to use Apple's own in-app payment system.
- Company Involved
- Apple
- Regulatory Body
- Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- Potential Fine
- Up to $38 billion
- Allegations
- Abuse of dominant position on its app store
- Current Status
- CCI has issued a final warning to Apple
- Next Hearing Date
- January 27
- Duration of Investigation
- Since 2022
- Key Complaints
- Mandatory 30% commission and blocking third-party app stores
