Apple has challenged the findings of India’s competition watchdog in the long-running investigation into its App Store practices, arguing that the probe was flawed and unfair. The company has approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), seeking a review of the investigation report prepared by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
The dispute centres on allegations that Apple abused its dominant position by imposing restrictive conditions on app developers using its App Store. The CCI’s investigation reportedly concluded that the company had engaged in anti-competitive practices by requiring developers to use Apple’s in-app payment system and by charging commissions on digital transactions.
Apple, however, has strongly rejected the findings. In its appeal, the company described the investigation as a “copy-paste exercise”, claiming that large portions of the report were borrowed from similar cases pursued by regulators in other countries without adequately examining India’s unique market conditions.
The iPhone maker argued that the investigation failed to properly assess competition in India’s smartphone market and overlooked the fact that it faces strong competition from Android-based devices. Apple also maintained that its App Store policies are designed to protect user privacy, security and the overall quality of applications available on its platform.
The antitrust case began after complaints from app developers who alleged that Apple’s policies restricted competition and increased costs for businesses operating on iOS devices. Similar investigations into Apple’s App Store practices have been carried out in the European Union, the United States and several other jurisdictions.
The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for India’s digital economy and the regulation of major technology companies. A ruling against Apple could lead to changes in how the App Store operates in India, potentially giving developers greater flexibility in payment systems and app distribution.
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