An April 24 confidential court submission from Apple, which was reviewed by Reuters on Thursday, highlights an escalating clash between the company and Indian authorities in a case where Apple faces a potential fine of up to $38 billion.
Since 2024, the Competition Commission of India has requested Apple’s financial details—typically necessary for determining penalties—following an investigation that concluded the company exploited its dominant position. Apple has resisted these requests, arguing that it is contesting the entire antitrust penalty calculation law in a court in New Delhi, insisting that the watchdog must wait.
After the CCI issued an ultimatum this month for Apple to submit its financials and set a final hearing for May 21, the company has urged the Delhi High Court for immediate intervention to pause the proceedings.
Apple stated in its filing, “the commission’s decision to set a final hearing indicates an escalation of its efforts to undermine the Hon’ble Court’s authority,” asking the court to address the matter on May 15.
Neither Apple nor the CCI responded to Reuters’ inquiries.
This filing was a response to the CCI’s order from April, in which the authority noted that Apple had “been given sufficient opportunities to lodge” its objections regarding the investigation report and has also “failed to submit the necessary financial information.”
The case in India is one of many antitrust issues Apple faces globally. India represents a crucial market for Apple, where its iPhones hold a 9% market share, up from 4% two years ago, according to Counterpoint Research.
Apple has consistently argued that it remains a minor player next to Google’s Android, which dominates the Indian market.
