India’s antitrust regulator has pressed Apple to produce key financial records as part of a long‑running probe into alleged anti‑competitive practices in the iOS app ecosystem. The dispute, initiated by consumer group Together We Fight Society in 2021 and backed by Match Group and several startups, centres on App Store rules and in‑app payment policies.
Allegations and regulator findings
In June 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) found that Apple abused its dominant position on iOS by requiring developers to use the App Store and by levying commissions of up to 30% on in‑app purchases. The CCI also said Apple prevents third‑party payment options and bars developers from directing users to alternative payment methods.
Apple has denied the findings, arguing that its overall market share in India is small compared with Android. The company maintains its App Store policies are justified on security and privacy grounds. The CCI, however, says Apple exerts full control over the iOS ecosystem and its users, creating an effective gatekeeper role.
Legal, regulatory and financial stakes
Changes under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 raised the stakes by allowing penalties to be calculated on a company’s global turnover rather than just the revenue from the specific product or service under scrutiny. Given Apple’s large worldwide revenue, the theoretical maximum penalty runs into tens of billions of dollars.
Apple contends that such a global‑turnover approach is disproportionate, noting App Store revenues in India amount to roughly $350 million. The company challenged the amended penalty framework before the Delhi High Court in November 2025. The court provided temporary relief by pausing the CCI’s demand for certain financial data, but the broader dispute continues.
Next steps and implications
The CCI has scheduled a final hearing for May 21, 2026, and asked Apple to submit outstanding financial information. Should Apple withhold data, regulators say they may proceed using available information and apply the global‑turnover standard. The outcome could set an important precedent for regulation of app stores, platform fees and digital payments in India.
