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Apple has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge what it calls an overreach by India’s antitrust regulator, as tensions escalate in an ongoing probe into the iPhone app ecosystem.
In a recent court filing, Apple argued that the Competition Commission of India exceeded its authority by demanding the company’s financial data while the broader legal framework governing penalties is still under judicial review. The iPhone maker has warned it could face fines of up to $38 billion in the case.
The dispute stems from a 2024 investigation by the CCI, which found that Apple may have abused its dominant position in the app distribution market. As part of the process, the regulator has sought detailed financial disclosures—typically required to calculate potential penalties.
Apple, however, has resisted the request, maintaining that it has already challenged the validity of India’s antitrust penalty rules in court. The company argues that the regulator should not proceed with enforcement steps until the legal challenge is resolved.
The standoff intensified after the CCI issued an ultimatum earlier this month, directing Apple to submit its financials and scheduling a final hearing for May 21. In response, Apple has asked the Delhi High Court to intervene urgently and pause the proceedings, warning that the regulator’s move represents an attempt to bypass judicial authority.
In its filing, Apple said the decision to move ahead with a final hearing marks an “escalation” by the regulator, and has sought an expedited hearing as early as May 15.
The case is part of a broader wave of global antitrust scrutiny facing Apple over its control of app marketplaces and payment systems. India has emerged as a particularly strategic battleground, with the company rapidly expanding its footprint in the country.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s iPhone market share in India has grown to around 9%, up from about 4% two years ago. Despite this growth, Apple continues to argue that it remains a relatively small player compared to the dominance of Android-based devices led by Google.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications not only for Apple’s operations in India, but also for how global tech firms navigate regulatory frameworks in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.
In a recent court filing, Apple argued that the Competition Commission of India exceeded its authority by demanding the company’s financial data while the broader legal framework governing penalties is still under judicial review. The iPhone maker has warned it could face fines of up to $38 billion in the case.
The dispute stems from a 2024 investigation by the CCI, which found that Apple may have abused its dominant position in the app distribution market. As part of the process, the regulator has sought detailed financial disclosures—typically required to calculate potential penalties.
Apple, however, has resisted the request, maintaining that it has already challenged the validity of India’s antitrust penalty rules in court. The company argues that the regulator should not proceed with enforcement steps until the legal challenge is resolved.
The standoff intensified after the CCI issued an ultimatum earlier this month, directing Apple to submit its financials and scheduling a final hearing for May 21. In response, Apple has asked the Delhi High Court to intervene urgently and pause the proceedings, warning that the regulator’s move represents an attempt to bypass judicial authority.
In its filing, Apple said the decision to move ahead with a final hearing marks an “escalation” by the regulator, and has sought an expedited hearing as early as May 15.
The case is part of a broader wave of global antitrust scrutiny facing Apple over its control of app marketplaces and payment systems. India has emerged as a particularly strategic battleground, with the company rapidly expanding its footprint in the country.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s iPhone market share in India has grown to around 9%, up from about 4% two years ago. Despite this growth, Apple continues to argue that it remains a relatively small player compared to the dominance of Android-based devices led by Google.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications not only for Apple’s operations in India, but also for how global tech firms navigate regulatory frameworks in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.
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