Apple has intensified its dispute with India’s competition watchdog, accusing the Competition Commission of India (CCI) of overstepping judicial authority by pressing the company to submit financial information while a court challenge over India’s antitrust penalty framework remains pending.(Reuters)
In a non-public filing submitted to the Delhi High Court on 24 April, Apple argued that the CCI’s decision to demand financial disclosures and proceed toward a final hearing in its App Store investigation unlawfully bypasses the court’s authority. The company has asked the court to urgently intervene before the regulator’s scheduled hearing on 21 May.
The dispute arises from the CCI’s ongoing investigation into Apple’s conduct in the iPhone app ecosystem. Indian investigators previously concluded that Apple may have abused a dominant position in the market for app distribution on iOS devices. As part of the enforcement process, the CCI has sought Apple’s financial data since 2024 in order to calculate a potential fine.
Apple has refused to provide the information, arguing that it is separately challenging the legality of India’s antitrust penalty calculation regime and that the regulator should pause enforcement steps until the courts rule on that challenge. According to Apple, the CCI’s insistence on moving forward despite the pending litigation represents an improper attempt to “usurp” the court’s role.
The case has become one of Apple’s most significant regulatory battles in India, where the company reportedly faces potential penalties of up to $38 billion if found liable and fined under the contested methodology.
The CCI has rejected Apple’s objections, stating that the company has had sufficient opportunities to respond to the investigation report and provide the requested financial information. In an April order, the regulator said Apple had failed to submit the “requisite financial information” needed to complete the proceedings.
The confrontation adds to Apple’s growing list of global antitrust disputes concerning its App Store practices and mobile ecosystem restrictions. India has become an increasingly important market for the company, with iPhone market share rising sharply in recent years, though Apple continues to argue that it remains a minor player compared with the Android ecosystem, which dominates the Indian smartphone market.
The Delhi High Court’s response could shape both the pace and scope of the CCI’s enforcement powers in major digital antitrust cases.
