India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has declined Apple’s appeal to suspend a revised investigation report accusing the tech giant of breaching competition laws, according to an internal regulatory document reviewed by Reuters. The decision allows the antitrust case, which dates back to 2021, to move forward.
Background on the case
The CCI initiated an investigation against Apple in 2021 following complaints from Indian non-profit Together We Fight Society (TWFS). The inquiry alleged that Apple misused its dominant position in the app store market on its iOS platform, causing harm to app developers, users, and alternative payment systems. Apple has refuted the claims, asserting that its market share in India is small compared to Android-powered devices.
In August 2024, the controversy intensified when Apple accused the CCI of disclosing sensitive commercial information, including data linked to Tinder-owner Match Group, to competitors. The company demanded that these elements be redacted. In response, the CCI instructed parties to return the initial reports, destroy any copies, and issued revised versions of the investigation findings.
Apple’s plea and CCI’s response
In November, Apple further alleged that TWFS had not adhered to the CCI’s directive to confirm the destruction of the old investigation reports. Apple urged the regulator to act against TWFS for non-compliance and requested the suspension of the revised investigation report.
However, the CCI rejected Apple’s appeal, stating in a November 13 internal order: “Apple’s request to hold the investigation report in abeyance was deemed untenable.”
Financial data request and potential penalties
As the case progresses, the CCI has instructed Apple to submit audited financial statements for the fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. These documents will assist in determining potential monetary penalties should Apple be found guilty of antitrust violations.
Next steps
Senior officials at the CCI will now review the revised investigation report and make a final ruling.
Neither Apple nor TWFS responded to Reuters’ requests for comment, and the CCI did not address inquiries outside regular business hours.