The June 25 filing by Apple (AAPL.O), being reported for the first time, represents the most significant escalation so far in Apple’s dispute with the Competition Commission of India (CCI), where Match, the owner of Tinder (MTCH.O), and various Indian startups are among the parties challenging it.
In 2024, CCI investigators circulated a confidential report stating that Apple had engaged in "abusive conduct" on the app platform of its iOS operating system and had improperly required the use of its own payment system.
Apple has rejected the accusations, stating in its filing that it is a "minor player" holding less than a 6% share of India’s smartphone market, and arguing that the investigation’s findings relied on competitors’ assertions rather than on the CCI’s own independent assessment.
Apple stated that 'any forced changes' to its carefully structured App Store could interfere with its integrated business model, and opposed the imposition of penalties or behavioral measures that would require it to modify its current practices.
"The imposition of remedies would create regulatory uncertainty and could deter investments in India's digital economy," the Apple noted.
Comparable arguments from other major corporations have not persuaded the CCI.
In 2023, Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O) contended in its antitrust proceedings that the CCI's directive could hinder its growth, but the company was subsequently compelled to alter how it promoted its Android operating system, which holds a dominant position in India's smartphone market.
Senior CCI officials are scheduled to conduct a closed-door hearing with all parties involved in the case on July 21.
In its filing, Apple argued to contend that the CCI’s investigation team had failed to conduct an independent analysis and had instead engaged in “copy-pasting” extensive portions of submissions from opposing parties in the case, including Match, Walmart’s Indian payments app PhonePe, and local competitor Paytm.
Apple further argued that the CCI’s investigation reports “blindly replicated” a chart on global consumer spending on mobile apps and games from a 2024 EU ruling against Apple, despite India having distinct market conditions.
