An April 24, non-public submission to an Indian court from Apple, reviewed by Reuters on Thursday, highlights a growing clash between the company and Indian regulators over a case where Apple claims it could be penalized up to $38 billion.
Since 2024, the Competition Commission of India has required Apple’s financial data—typically necessary for penalty assessments—after discovering that the company abused its dominant market position. Apple has resisted these demands, asserting that it has challenged the entirety of India’s antitrust penalty calculation law in a New Delhi court, and that the regulatory body must hold off.
After the CCI issued Apple an ultimatum this month to submit its financial records and set a final hearing date for May 21, the company has appealed to the Delhi High Court for urgent intervention to pause the proceedings.
Apple stated in its filing that “the commission’s decision to set a final hearing signifies an escalation in its attempts to undermine the Hon’ble Court’s authority,” requesting the court to address the issue on May 15.
Neither Apple nor the CCI responded to inquiries from Reuters.
This filing was prompted by the CCI’s April order, which noted that Apple had “been given sufficient opportunities to present” its objections to the investigation report and had “not provided the necessary financial information.”
The antitrust case in India is one of several faced by Apple globally, pertaining to alleged violations. India is a crucial market for Apple, where its iPhones have captured a 9% share, up from 4% two years prior, according to Counterpoint Research.
Apple contends that it remains a minor player compared to Google’s Android, which dominates the Indian market.
(Edited by : Juviraj Anchil)
