iPhone maker Apple failed to submit key financial data sought by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) after the latter found that the company abused its dominant position in the iPhone apps market.

Citing a CCI order dated April 8, Reuters reported the regulator said that Apple has not shared its financial details or responded to the investigation findings since October 2024. Instead, the company pointed to a separate case filed by it in the Delhi High Court challenging India’s antitrust penalty rules.

The standoff is linked to Apple’s earlier move in January this year, when it approached the Delhi HC to block the CCI from accessing its global financial records. The company argued that sharing such data would weaken its legal challenge against India’s new penalty framework.

The regulator says it needs financial data to decide the size of any penalty. Apple has argued earlier that if global revenue is used, the fine could go up to $38 Bn. It continues to deny any wrongdoing. 

Notably, under India’s updated antitrust law, companies can be fined up to 10% of their average global turnover over three years, significantly raising Apple’s potential exposure. 

The CCI has given Apple two more weeks to respond but has also fixed a final hearing on May 21.

The case began in 2021 after complaints from a non-profit group against Apple. Later, Match Group and several Indian startups also raised concerns.

In 2024, the CCI’s investigation report found that Apple forced app developers to use its in-app payment system, thereby limiting competition. The watchdog said Apple’s App Store acts as an “unavoidable trading partner” for developers, leaving them with little choice but to accept its terms, including commissions of up to 30%.

Apple denies these findings, saying it has a small presence in India, where Android dominates.

The CCI also rejected Apple’s recent request to pause the case until the Delhi HC decides on the penalty framework. The regulator said the company appears to be delaying the process.

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