Apple to Submit India-Specific Financial Data to CCI
Apple has agreed to hand over its local financial data to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), according to a report. This decision follows a confidential CCI investigation that concluded the iPhone maker abused its market position regarding the App Store. The move clears a significant hurdle in the high-profile case, bringing Apple one step closer to a potential penalty decision in one of its most critical global growth markets.
Citing a confidential CCI order, Apple requested a "final extension" during a hearing to compile and submit its "India-specific financial information." The antitrust body accepted the request, giving Apple until June 25 to provide the data, which is typically used to calculate financial penalties.
The Case and Reason for Delay
The case originated in 2021 after complaints were filed by a non-profit group, Tinder-owner Match Group, and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), a coalition representing Indian startups. The core dispute centers on Apple's in-app billing system. Investigators called the App Store an "unavoidable trading partner" that unfairly blocks developers from using cheaper, third-party payment services.
Previously, Apple flatly refused to supply its financial details and denied any wrongdoing. The company attempted to delay antitrust proceedings while launching a separate court battle. The CCI is empowered to penalize companies based on their total global turnover, not just India revenue, which could amount to a fine of up to $38 billion. However, the CCI repeatedly clarified it only required Apple's India-specific financials to proceed. After a judge ordered Apple to cooperate, the company relented on its stance regarding local financial records.
What Is at Stake for Apple in India
India represents a vital manufacturing and consumer hub for Apple as it actively diversifies its supply chain beyond China. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple's iPhone market share in India surged to 9%, up from just 2% five years ago. Apple has consistently defended itself by arguing it is a minor player in India, where Google's Android operating system dominates. In 2022, the CCI fined Google $113 million for similar anticompetitive practices involving its in-app payment ecosystem.
