Apple has been directed by an Indian court to cooperate with the country’s competition regulator in an ongoing antitrust investigation related to the App Store. However, the court has also stopped the regulator from issuing final order till the matter returns for further hearing in July. The case revolves around a dispute between Apple and Competition Commission of India (CCI), which has been investigating the company over alleged anti-competitive practices linked to App Store policies and fees.
Earlier this month, the regulator reportedly asked Apple to submit detailed financial information ahead of a scheduled hearing. Apple had approached the Delhi High Court seeking a pause on the proceedings, arguing that India’s revised competition law could unfairly expose the company to penalties based on its global revenue rather than earnings generated within India. The company has been challenging the validity of that framework in court.
Also read: Looking for a flagship deal? Google Pixel 10 now available with Rs 11,600 off without card offers
As per reports, the CCI accused Apple of repeatedly delaying the investigation by requesting multiple extensions while refusing the provide the required financial documents. During the latest hearing, the High Court declined to fully halt the antitrust proceedings and instead instructed Apple to continue cooperating with the investigation.
At the same time, the court directed the regulator not to issue any final ruling before the next hearing scheduled for July 15. The court also permitted Apple to submit additional documents as part of its challenge against the current penalty calculation rules under India’s competition law.
With this decision, its a parallel legal timeline. Apple will now have to submit the financial records sought by the CCI, while the regulator can continue with its scheduled hearings, including the upcoming May 21 session. At the same time, the Delhi High Court will separately examine Apple’s challenge to India’s global-turnover penalty framework, with the court ensuring that no final order or monetary penalty is issued before the next hearing in mid-July.