New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has warned Apple that it will advance the India Apple antitrust case unilaterally if the company fails to submit required responses by next week. The action follows over a year of delays by Apple, which has sought multiple extensions since October 2024. The probe centres on allegations that Apple abused its dominant position in the iOS app market.
The CCI Apple warning stems from a confidential order dated 31 December 2024, where the regulator rejected Apple’s request to pause proceedings pending a separate legal challenge. Apple has challenged the CCI’s penalty calculation rules in the Delhi High Court, fearing penalties based on global turnover could reach $38 billion. The court is set to hear the matter on 27 January 2026.
This development underscores growing scrutiny of tech giants in South Asia’s digital economy, where India leads as a major market for app developers and consumers. With over 500 million smartphone users, regulatory actions like the India Apple antitrust case could reshape app distribution and foster competition, benefiting local startups and reducing reliance on dominant platforms.
Background on Apple App Store Antitrust India
The investigation into the Apple app store antitrust India began in 2022, triggered by complaints from entities including Match Group, owner of Tinder, and several Indian startups. A 2024 CCI report concluded that Apple had violated competition laws by enforcing restrictive policies on app developers, such as mandatory use of its payment system and high commissions.
Apple has denied the allegations, arguing its practices ensure user security and platform integrity. However, the company has not provided a public response to the latest CCI Apple warning.
In parallel, Apple contests the 2024 amendments to India’s competition law, which allow fines up to 10% of global turnover. A CCI filing from 15 December 2024 defends this framework, stating it aligns with international practices and deters violations by multinationals. “This approach ensures that penalties retain real deterrent value in complex, digital and cross-border markets,” the filing noted.
The potential Apple India fine of $38 billion represents a significant escalation. Based on Apple’s global revenue, this could exceed penalties in similar cases elsewhere. For context, the European Union fined Apple €1.8 billion in 2024 for similar app store issues, though that was limited to regional turnover.
Indian regulators have emphasised procedural compliance. The CCI order highlights that Apple received extensions despite clear directives, stating: “The Commission is of the considered view that repeated extensions, despite unambiguous directions, undermine procedural discipline and impede the timely conclusion of proceedings. Such indulgence cannot be continued indefinitely.”
This stance reflects broader efforts in South Asia to enforce antitrust laws amid rapid digital growth. Pakistan and Bangladesh have initiated similar probes into tech platforms, though India’s actions set a precedent. The India Apple antitrust case could influence regional policies, encouraging harmonised regulations to protect emerging tech ecosystems.
Impact on South Asian Tech Landscape
The Apple app store antitrust India probe highlights tensions between global tech firms and local regulators. In India, where digital payments and e-commerce surged post-pandemic, app store policies affect millions of developers. Local firms argue Apple’s 30% commission stifles innovation, while consumers face limited choices.
Economists estimate that resolving the India Apple antitrust case could boost India’s app economy, valued at $10 billion in 2025, by enabling alternative payment systems and sideloading. This aligns with government initiatives like Digital India, aiming for a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
Comparisons with global cases are inevitable. In the US, Apple faces Department of Justice scrutiny over app store dominance. In South Korea, laws already mandate alternative payments. The CCI Apple warning positions India alongside these jurisdictions, signalling intolerance for delays.
Stakeholders in South Asia watch closely. Indian startup alliances, such as the Alliance of Digital India Foundation, have supported the probe, citing unfair practices. Match Group previously stated Apple’s policies harm competition.
The potential Apple India fine raises questions about enforcement. If imposed, it would be among the largest globally, potentially prompting Apple to alter its model in India. Analysts predict this could lead to lower commissions or open ecosystems, benefiting users in price-sensitive markets like South Asia.
Regulatory Framework and Challenges
India’s competition law amendments, effective from 2024, empower the CCI to consider global turnover for penalties in multi-sided markets like app stores. Apple argues this is disproportionate, but the CCI counters that it prevents fines from becoming “nominal or easily absorbable.”
The Delhi High Court challenge adds complexity. Apple’s plea seeks to invalidate the global turnover provision, claiming it violates constitutional rights. The CCI’s response accuses Apple of misleading the court, affirming the law’s merit.
This legal battle extends beyond the India Apple antitrust case, potentially setting precedents for other tech firms like Google, which faced CCI fines in 2022 for Android practices. South Asian countries may adopt similar frameworks, creating a unified front against tech monopolies.
What’s Next in the India Apple Antitrust Case
The immediate deadline for Apple’s response is next week, after which the CCI may issue a final order. The Delhi High Court hearing on 27 January 2026 could influence proceedings, possibly staying penalties if Apple succeeds.
If the case advances, penalties and remedies could follow within months. Apple might appeal to the Supreme Court, prolonging resolution. Meanwhile, the company continues operations in India, a key growth market with manufacturing investments exceeding $10 billion.
Observers anticipate negotiations, as seen in Apple’s EU settlements. For now, the CCI Apple warning maintains pressure, ensuring the India Apple antitrust case progresses despite delays.
In conclusion, the escalating India Apple antitrust case highlights regulatory resolve in South Asia, with potential ramifications for global tech governance.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 16th, 2026
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