Apple warned by India's competition watchdog over its attempts to delay antitrust investigation

Apple Faces Ultimatum from India's CCI Amidst Prolonged Antitrust Probe

The tech behemoth, Apple, finds itself embroiled in a significant antitrust investigation in India, a legal saga that began in 2021. At the heart of the dispute are concerns surrounding in-app payment policies within its ecosystem. This escalating legal confrontation could potentially lead to a staggering fine, reportedly reaching up to $38 billion for the Cupertino giant.

A key point of contention revolves around India's updated antitrust penalty framework. Apple has vocally challenged this new regulation, which potentially enables the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to calculate fines based on Apple's worldwide revenue, rather than solely its Indian operations. Back in October 2024, the CCI formally requested Apple to submit objections to the preliminary findings of its investigation and to furnish comprehensive financial data essential for penalty assessment. Despite these clear directives, reports from Reuters indicate that Apple has been granted multiple extensions for its submissions.

The CCI has made its growing impatience clear, stating unequivocally, "Such indulgence cannot be continued indefinitely."

This escalating frustration has led the CCI to issue a firm warning: if a substantial response is not received from Apple by next week, the regulatory body intends to proceed with the case unilaterally. The commission highlights that the Tim Cook-led technology giant has consistently delayed responses to official inquiries for over a year, a pattern perceived as actively undermining the integrity of the investigation.

However, Apple's stance, according to a source familiar with the situation cited by Reuters, suggests a different interpretation. The company reportedly views the CCI's December order as an attempt to preempt ongoing court proceedings. Consequently, Apple is reportedly unlikely to submit a response until the matter is heard by judges on January 27, indicating a strategic decision to await judicial guidance.

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