Apple’s legal fight with India’s competition watchdog has taken another turn after the Delhi High Court refused to pause the country’s App Store antitrust proceedings, while also directing the company to “fully cooperate” with the ongoing investigation.
The dispute centers on the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which has been investigating Apple over alleged abuse of its dominant position in the iPhone apps market. The regulator has pushed Apple to submit financial data that it says is necessary to calculate potential penalties under India’s updated competition law.
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Apple, however, has argued that the regulator moved too aggressively while the company continues to challenge the legality of India’s penalty framework in court. The company also warned that the case could expose it to massive financial penalties tied to its global revenue.
According to Reuters:
“The commission’s decision to schedule a final hearing represents an escalation in its efforts to usurp the Hon’ble Court’s authority,” Apple said in the filing while requesting urgent intervention from the Delhi High Court.
The court did not stop the CCI investigation completely, but it blocked the regulator from issuing a final order before the matter returns to court on July 15. That gives Apple temporary protection while the broader legal challenge continues.
Reuters also reported:
The CCI said Apple had “been afforded adequate opportunities to file” its objections and had also “not submitted the requisite financial information.”
The case has become one of Apple’s biggest regulatory challenges in India, especially as the company continues expanding its presence in the country. Counterpoint Research data cited in the report shows Apple’s iPhone market share in India has grown to 9%, compared to 4% two years ago.
Apple continues to argue that Android remains the dominant platform in India, while regulators keep pushing ahead with the App Store investigation.
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