Apple Challenges CCI Probe, Says India Antitrust Findings 'Copy-Pasted' From Rivals
Apple has challenged the CCI's antitrust findings, alleging investigators relied on rivals' complaints instead of independent analysis in the ongoing App Store competition case in India.
SociapaHQ
Apple has challenged the findings of India's antitrust investigation into its App Store practices, accusing investigators of relying on "copy-pasted" claims from rivals instead of conducting an independent assessment, according to a report.
In a submission dated June 25, Apple argued that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigation mirrored complaints made by competitors, including Match Group and Indian startups, rather than being based on original analysis.
The case centres on Apple's App Store policies, particularly allegations that the company abused its market position by requiring developers to use its in-app payment system for digital transactions.
Also Read: Netflix Rolls Out Profile-Specific Sign-In With Separate Email Support
Legal Challenge:
A CCI investigation report released in 2024 concluded that Apple had engaged in "abusive conduct" in the iOS app ecosystem, paving the way for further regulatory proceedings and potential financial penalties.
Apple has denied the allegations, saying it has a less than 6% share of India’s smartphone market and therefore cannot be considered dominant under the country’s competition law.
In its latest submission, the company has asked the CCI to ignore the findings of the investigation, saying the probe lacked independent verification and was marred by procedural flaws.
Apple also cautioned against regulatory measures that would force it to alter its App Store business model.
Also Read: Karnataka Warns Pan Masala, Gutkha Makers of Ban Over Harmful Additives
Global Scrutiny:
The company said its products are built on its integrated ecosystem of hardware, software and services and that any forced changes to the App Store could impact its operations and investments in India and disrupt that model.
The dispute is among the biggest regulatory challenges Apple faces in India. The probe was launched in 2021 after complaints from Tinder-owner Match Group and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) that Apple’s App Store rules had unfairly restricted competition.
The CCI investigation is part of a broader global focus on Apple’s App Store policies, with regulators in multiple jurisdictions examining issues related to developer fees, in-app payment methods and oversight of app distribution.
/bmi/media/media_files/flmDfdXC0WosXKGrJJZw.jpg){kind=small}
