India’s competition watchdog has issued a final warning to Apple, saying it may proceed with the antitrust case even without the company’s cooperation if delays continue.
The investigation, triggered by complaints from Match Group and Indian startups, focuses on alleged unfair practices in Apple’s iOS App Store ecosystem.
Apple is challenging how penalties are calculated and fears a fine linked to global turnover, while the regulator has refused to pause its probe ahead of a January 27 court hearing.
India’s competition regulator has stepped up pressure on Apple after growing frustration over delays in an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Competition Commission of India has issued a final warning to the company, signalling that it may move ahead without Apple’s cooperation if responses are not submitted soon. The case focuses on Apple’s conduct in the iOS app ecosystem and its impact on app developers operating in India. With more than a year of exchanges already completed, the regulator has made it clear that further delays will not be accepted. The warning marks a key moment in a case that could influence how global technology companies are regulated in one of the world’s largest digital markets.
SurveyThe Competition Commission of India, commonly known as the CCI, passed a confidential order on December 31 criticising Apple for repeatedly seeking more time to respond. The investigation began in 2022 after complaints were filed by Match Group and several Indian startups. These companies alleged that Apple used its dominant position to impose unfair conditions on developers using its App Store.
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In 2024, Indian investigators, after examining the matter, concluded that Apple had engaged in abusive conduct in the iOS apps market. Following this finding, the CCI asked Apple to submit its objections and provide detailed financial information. This data is required to determine whether a penalty should be imposed and, if so, how large the fine should be.
In response, Apple entered into a legal dispute over how any potential penalty should be calculated. The company has raised concerns that if the regulator bases the fine on its global turnover, the amount could reach up to 38 billion dollars. Apple has denied any wrongdoing and has challenged India’s penalty framework in court, arguing that it could result in excessive punishment.
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While this court challenge remains pending, Apple reportedly asked the CCI to pause the antitrust proceedings. The regulator rejected this request. In its latest order, the commission made its position clear, noting that Apple had been asked as early as October 2024 to submit objections and financial details. Despite this, the company continued to seek extensions.
The CCI stated that repeated delays weaken procedural discipline and slow the completion of investigations. It added that such flexibility cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely. The order warned that if Apple fails to respond within the specified time, the commission will proceed with the case on its own.
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Apple is expected to wait for the court to hear its challenge before filing a response. The hearing is scheduled for January 27. The delay has created a situation in which the legal process and the regulatory investigation are moving forward at the same time.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
