Apple has escalated its legal battle with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), accusing the antitrust regulator of failing to conduct an impartial investigation into its App Store practices. In a June 25 response, the tech giant asserted that the CCI's conclusions were essentially a 'copy-paste' of allegations made by competitors, including Match Group and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF). Apple has requested that the investigation findings be set aside, arguing they are based on faulty logic and inadequate independent analysis.
Core of the Conflict
The dispute centers on Apple's App Store policies, particularly its requirement that developers use the company's in-app payment system for digital purchases. A confidential study released by CCI investigators in 2024 concluded that Apple had engaged in 'abusive conduct' on its iOS platform and improperly mandated the use of its payment mechanism. Apple has refuted these claims, stating in its response that it is a 'minuscule player' with less than 6 percent of India's smartphone market. The company argued that the probe's findings relied more on competitor assertions than on independent analysis by the CCI.
Apple's Defense and Concerns
Apple warned that any 'forced alterations to Apple's carefully designed App Store could disrupt its integrated business model.' The company opposed any fines or behavioral remedies that might compel it to change its strategy, stating that 'the imposition of remedies would create regulatory uncertainty and could deter investments in India's digital economy.' Notably, the CCI has not been swayed by similar arguments from other large corporations. In 2023, Google claimed that a CCI order could impede its growth but was later forced to alter how it marketed its Android operating system, which dominates India's smartphone market.
Allegations of 'Copy-Paste' Investigation
Apple submitted tables to the CCI contending that the investigation team had 'copy-pasted' numerous submissions from rivals, including Match Group, Walmart's Indian payments tool PhonePe, and Indian competitor Paytm, rather than conducting its own analysis. 'The DG (Director General) made no effort whatsoever to independently verify or critically assess these statements, often parroting them verbatim,' Apple said. Additionally, Apple claimed that despite India's unique market dynamics, the CCI probe reports 'blindly replicated' a visualization on global consumer expenditure on mobile apps and games from a 2024 European Union verdict against Apple.
Next Steps
A closed-door hearing with all parties involved is scheduled for July 21, where senior CCI officials will review the case. The outcome could have significant implications for Apple's operations in India and the broader digital economy.
