India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has scheduled a final hearing for May 21, 2026, in its ongoing antitrust investigation into Apple’s App Store practices, after the company did not submit certain requested financial data and responses since October 2024, Reuters reports today.
The case, which dates back to 2021, stems from complaints by a non-profit organization, later joined by Match Group (owner of Tinder) and several Indian startups. A 2024 CCI investigation report alleged that Apple abused its dominant position in the iPhone apps market by requiring developers to use its proprietary in-app purchase system.
Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The company maintains that it is a relatively small player in the Indian smartphone market, where Android-based devices hold the vast majority of share. iPhones currently account for about 9% of the market in India, up from around 7% in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research data.”
Apple has been challenging aspects of the proceedings, including a request in March 2026 to pause the CCI case while a separate matter is heard in the Delhi High Court. In that parallel case, Apple is contesting India’s antitrust penalty framework, particularly the potential use of global turnover in calculating fines—a approach that could theoretically expose the company to penalties as high as $38 billion in this matter.
The CCI rejected Apple’s request to halt proceedings, noting in an April 8, 2026 order that the company had been given sufficient opportunities to submit its objections, suggestions, and required financial information. The regulator has now granted Apple an additional two weeks to file its responses while setting the May 21 hearing date for the first time, signaling that the case is moving toward a resolution.
Antitrust experts have pointed out that Apple still has the opportunity to provide the requested financial details (supported by an auditor’s certificate) and present its arguments on any potential penalty during the upcoming hearing.
This development is part of broader global regulatory scrutiny faced by major tech companies, including Apple, over app store policies and competition issues. India represents a key growth market for Apple, where the company has been expanding its presence through new retail stores and increasing iPhone sales.
Apple has not publicly commented on the latest order, but the company has long argued that its App Store policies support a secure and high-quality user experience while enabling developers to build successful businesses. The CCI’s process continues, with both sides expected to present their positions at the May hearing.
MacDailyNews Take: India risks squandering a golden growth opportunity with Apple over a regulatory trifle in which the Cupertino company has done absolutely nothing wrong.
Apple in India isn’t a dominant behemoth crushing competition, it’s a company successfully earning its way in one of the world’s toughest, most price-sensitive markets by offering superior products that Indian consumers increasingly want.
Forcing changes to a proven, secure App Store model that benefits users with privacy, security, and a consistent high-quality experience — while enabling millions of developers worldwide to build thriving businesses — over complaints that largely echo global gripes from a few large players is yet another regulatory overreach. Apple has cooperated extensively is currently a small participant in India with no abusive dominance.
India has everything to gain by fostering an environment where innovative companies like Apple can continue investing, creating jobs, expanding retail presence, and driving premium economic activity. Alienating one of the world’s most successful tech firms over what amounts to standard platform policies that have fueled an entire ecosystem risks sending exactly the wrong signal to global investors and innovators.
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