Apple argues Indian regulators relied on competitors’ allegations rather than independent analysis in a probe over iOS app store practices.
Apple has urged Indian antitrust authorities to dismiss findings that it violated competition laws, alleging investigators merely repeated rivals’ claims without conducting an independent probe. The company’s June 25 submission disputes a 2024 report by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) accusing Apple of abusive conduct on its iOS platform and mandating its payment system for apps.
The tech giant, which holds under 6% of India’s smartphone market, called itself a “minuscule player” and warned that forced changes to its App Store could disrupt its business model. Apple also cautioned that penalties or behavioral remedies might deter investments in India’s digital economy. The CCI has not responded to requests for comment.
The dispute involves complaints from Match Group, owner of Tinder, and Indian startups, who allege Apple’s policies stifle competition. Apple denies wrongdoing, emphasizing its integrated ecosystem and the potential risks of regulatory intervention.