India’s competition watchdog has intensified its scrutiny of Apple Inc. after rejecting the company’s request to temporarily halt an ongoing antitrust investigation into its App Store policies. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has made it clear that the probe will continue, warning Apple that repeated delays and non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.
The case originates from complaints filed by Tinder owner Match Group and several Indian start-ups, who allege that Apple abused its dominant position in the iOS ecosystem. They claim Apple forces app developers to use its in-app payment system and restricts them from informing users about alternative payment options. Such practices, the complainants argue, increase costs for developers and limit consumer choice.
A CCI investigation report prepared last year found prima facie evidence suggesting Apple engaged in anti-competitive conduct. Apple has strongly contested these findings, maintaining that its App Store rules are designed to ensure user security, privacy, and a consistent digital experience.
In recent months, Apple sought to pause the antitrust proceedings, citing a separate legal challenge in the Delhi High Court. The company is questioning amendments to India’s Competition Act and new penalty guidelines that allow regulators to calculate fines based on a firm’s global turnover. Apple argues that this could expose it to disproportionately large penalties for alleged violations linked only to the Indian market.
However, in a confidential order issued late December, the CCI rejected Apple’s request. The regulator noted that Apple had already been granted multiple extensions to submit financial data and responses, and that further delays would undermine the investigation process. The CCI warned that it could proceed with the case even without Apple’s cooperation if deadlines are missed.
The standoff highlights India’s increasingly assertive approach to regulating large technology companies. Authorities have signalled that global tech giants will be held to the same competitive standards as domestic firms.
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