Delhi High Court told the Competition Commission of India to pause its final order against Apple. This directly links to Apple's challenge against Indian competition law that allows penalties based on global revenue. The ruling puts a temporary brake on a probe affecting App Store commissions for Indian developers.
How We Got Here
Apple's anti-competitive practices probe by the CCI started in 2021, spurred by complaints from Together We Fight Society and Match Group over App Store commissions. In November 2025, Apple escalated the dispute, challenging India's 2023 competition law amendments that enable penalties based on global turnover.
The Numbers
- The CCI's investigation, reportedly completed in July 2024, found Apple engaged in abusive conduct by forcing developers to use its proprietary payment system.
- Apple specifically argues that the 2023 competition law amendments on global turnover penalties are retrospective and unconstitutionally expand CCI's powers.
- The Delhi HC noted it found "something considerable" in Apple's petition, asking CCI not to render it "infructuous" by passing a final order.
- Senior Advocates Balbir Singh and Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the CCI and Apple respectively during the High Court proceedings.
- The CCI had scheduled the final hearing for May 21, despite Apple's pending constitutional challenge against the penalty provisions.
What Happens Next
🇮🇳 Why This Matters for India
For Indian app founders in Bangalore and Hyderabad, clarity on App Store commission structures is crucial, directly impacting their revenue models and market access.
The Take
Apple just bought itself valuable time against a potentially hefty fine based on global turnover. This case effectively becomes a test of the 2023 competition law amendments, not just Apple's conduct.
Source:
MediaNama ↗