Apple questions probe by CCI watchdog into allegations of abuse of ‘dominant position’
New Delhi, June 30: Stepping up its legal battle with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Apple has accused the antitrust watchdog’s investigation team of relying on allegations made by rival companies instead of conducting an independent inquiry into the company’s App Store practices.
In a submission to the CCI on June 25, Apple has alleged that investigators had “copy-pasted” submissions from complainants, including Match Group, PhonePe and Paytm, while concluding that the company had violated India’s competition laws.
It contended that the investigation team failed to independently verify evidence and, in several instances, reproduced statements from rival companies “verbatim.”
It also alleged that portions of the Indian investigation mirrored elements of a 2024 European Union antitrust ruling against Apple, including graphics and market data sourced from Statista.
The company additionally argued that it was denied the opportunity to present oral evidence during the investigation, unlike Google’s Android antitrust proceedings, where the company was granted multiple hearings to explain its business model.
The case relates to a 2024 investigation report in which the CCI’s Director General claimed to have found that Apple had abused its dominant position in the iOS app ecosystem by requiring developers to use its proprietary payment system and imposing restrictive App Store policies.
Apple has denied these allegations and said its market position in India does not justify claims of dominance.
The company said it accounts for less than 6 per cent of India’s smartphone market and maintained that the investigation’s conclusions were based largely on competitors’ complaints rather than an objective assessment by the regulator.
Apple warned that forcing changes to the App Store’s operating model could disrupt its integrated ecosystem, create regulatory uncertainty and discourage investment in India’s digital economy.
It urged the CCI to set aside the investigation’s findings and refrain from imposing financial penalties or behavioural remedies.
The case is scheduled to be heard on July 21.
If found guilty of violating competition law, Apple could face penalties of up to 10 per cent of its relevant turnover for the previous three financial years.
The company has submitted its India turnover details for fiscal years 2022 to 2024 as part of the proceedings. (BVI)
