Apple is accusing the Competition Commission of India (CCI) of "blindly replicating" a graphic from a 2024 EU ruling in its App Store probe. This directly challenges the regulator's independence and the basis of its findings on market dominance. For developers, the fight for alternative payment systems gets much messier, not clearer.
How We Got Here
The dispute stems from a 2021 complaint by Match Group and industry body ADIF, alleging Apple's unfair in-app payment system requirements. Last year, the CCI's investigation reportedly concluded Apple abused its dominant position in the iOS app ecosystem.
The Numbers
- Apple claims the DG (CCI's investigative arm) "parroted verbatim" submissions from complainants like Match Group, PhonePe, and Paytm.
- The company argues it holds less than 6% of India's smartphone market, contradicting claims of market dominance.
- Apple alleges the investigation relied heavily on other antitrust proceedings and denied it an opportunity to present oral evidence.
- The replication of a 2024 EU ruling graphic ignores fundamental differences between Indian and European markets.
What Happens Next
🇮🇳 Why This Matters for India
For Indian app developers in Pune and Hyderabad, continued uncertainty over App Store policies impacts revenue models, while global investors watch for regulatory predictability.
The Take
Apple's move spotlights the CCI's procedural integrity, not just its App Store practices. A successful challenge here would seriously undermine future antitrust probes against other big tech players operating in India.
Source:
Inc42 ↗