India has issued a strong warning to Apple, signaling that it will move forward with an antitrust case against the U.S. technology giant after prolonged delays and non-cooperation from the company. According to a confidential order reviewed by Reuters, Indian authorities believe Apple has intentionally slowed the investigation process, undermining regulatory proceedings for more than a year.
The case centers on allegations that Apple abused its dominant position in the app marketplace through its App Store policies. India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has been investigating whether Apple unfairly restricted app developers by forcing them to use its in-app payment system and charging high commissions, practices that have drawn scrutiny worldwide.
Apple Faces Massive Potential Fine in India
One of the most significant concerns for Apple is the potential financial penalty. The company has stated that it could face a fine of up to $38 billion if the CCI calculates penalties based on Apple’s global turnover, rather than revenue generated solely in India. This method of calculation is permitted under Indian competition law and has been used in previous high-profile antitrust cases.
Apple has denied the allegations of wrongdoing and maintains that its App Store policies ensure user security and privacy. However, the CCI’s investigation reportedly found that Apple abused its market dominance, particularly harming smaller app developers who had limited alternatives to reach iPhone users.
Legal Challenge Delays Antitrust Proceedings
In response to the investigation, Apple challenged India’s penalty calculation rules in the Delhi High Court, arguing that global turnover-based fines are disproportionate and unfair. While the High Court continues to hear this legal challenge, Apple sought to halt the entire antitrust investigation until the court delivers its verdict.
This request did not sit well with India’s competition watchdog.
A confidential order dated December 31 reveals that Apple privately asked the CCI to pause proceedings, citing the ongoing court case. The CCI firmly rejected the request, stating that repeated delays weaken procedural discipline and prevent timely resolution of the matter.
CCI Takes a Firm Stand Against Delays
In its order, the Competition Commission of India emphasized that Apple’s conduct had crossed acceptable limits. The regulator noted that despite clear instructions and deadlines, Apple repeatedly sought extensions and failed to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“The Commission is of the considered view that repeated extensions, despite unambiguous directions, undermine procedural discipline and impede the timely conclusion of proceedings,” the CCI stated.
This strong language indicates India’s growing assertiveness in regulating global technology companies and ensuring compliance with domestic competition laws.
Implications for Big Tech in India
The Apple antitrust case reflects a broader trend in India’s regulatory landscape. Indian authorities have increasingly scrutinized Big Tech firms, including Google, Amazon, and Meta, for alleged anti-competitive practices. India, one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets, is determined to create a level playing field for local startups and international companies alike.
If the case proceeds and results in a significant fine, it could set a powerful precedent—not only for Apple but for other multinational corporations operating in India. It may also influence how companies structure their compliance strategies and engage with regulators in emerging markets.
What Happens Next?
With the CCI refusing to pause the case, Apple is now under pressure to respond promptly and cooperate with the investigation, even as its legal challenge continues in the Delhi High Court. The final outcome could take months, but the message from Indian regulators is clear: delaying tactics will not be tolerated.
As global regulators increasingly coordinate their efforts to rein in Big Tech, Apple’s antitrust battle in India could have far-reaching implications for app store policies worldwide.
