Apple has sharply criticized Indian antitrust investigators, accusing them of “copy-pasting” allegations from its competitors rather than conducting an independent analysis, and has called for the findings against it to be quashed, according to regulatory papers reviewed by Reuters.
In a submission dated June 25, the U.S. tech giant argued that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) relied heavily on claims from rivals including Tinder-owner Match.com, Walmart’s PhonePe, and Indian payments firm Paytm in its probe into Apple’s App Store practices. Apple described itself as a “minuscule player” in India’s smartphone market with less than 6% share.
The case represents Apple’s biggest regulatory challenge in India. In 2024, CCI investigators concluded that Apple had engaged in “abusive conduct” on its iOS platform by mandating its own payment system and restricting app distribution. Apple has denied the allegations.
“The DG (Director General) made no effort whatsoever to independently verify or critically assess these statements, often parroting them verbatim,” Apple said in the filing. The company also noted that the investigation report replicated elements from a European Union ruling against it, despite differing market conditions in India.
Apple warned that any forced changes to its App Store model could disrupt its integrated business and create regulatory uncertainty that might deter investments in India’s digital economy. It urged the CCI not to impose penalties or behavioral remedies.
The CCI did not respond to Reuters‘ requests for comment, nor did Apple. Rivals including Match, PhonePe, and Paytm also declined to comment.
A closed-door hearing with all parties is scheduled for July 21st. The watchdog has previously accused Apple of delaying the case.
Apple faces antitrust scrutiny globally, but the Indian matter is particularly notable as the company ramps up iPhone production in India, which is expected to account for 26% of global output in 2026. The firm highlighted its “unblemished record” and $51 billion in iPhone exports from India over the past five years as mitigating factors.
Similar arguments by other tech giants, such as Google in its Android case, have not swayed the CCI in the past.
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.
Apple’s iOS holds 6.69% market share in India.
Apple’s macOS holds 3.86% market share in India.
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. Appleproduct reviews
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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