Competition Commission of India (CCI) is increasing pressure on Apple as the company has not submitted important financial data in an ongoing antitrust case. The issue started in 2021 after a complaint by Together We Fight Society, later supported by companies like Match Group and several Indian startup organisations.
In June 2024, the CCI released a report stating that Apple misused its dominant position in the iOS app market. According to the regulator, developers are forced to use Apple’s App Store and follow its rules, including paying commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases. The report also pointed out that Apple does not allow third-party payment options and restricts developers from guiding users to other payment methods.
Apple has denied these claims and said it has a small market share in India compared to Android. However, the CCI argued that Apple still has complete control over iOS users, making it a powerful player in that ecosystem.
Risk of Massive Fine Under New Rules
The case has become more serious after changes in the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023. Earlier, fines were based only on revenue from the specific business involved. Now, the CCI can impose penalties based on a company’s global turnover.
For Apple, this means a possible fine of up to $38 billion, as its global revenue is very high. The company has said this is unfair, as its App Store earnings in India are only around $350 million. Apple challenged this rule in the Delhi High Court in November 2025, calling it excessive and unreasonable. The court gave temporary relief by pausing the demand for financial data, but the case is still ongoing.
Final Hearing Scheduled in May
The CCI has decided to move forward with the case despite Apple’s legal challenge. In April 2026, it set a final hearing date for May 21 and gave Apple one last chance to submit its financial details.
Experts say that if Apple does not cooperate, the CCI may go ahead with the available information and calculate the fine based on global turnover. This case could become a major example for how big tech companies are regulated in India, especially when it comes to app stores and digital payments.