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India Sets May 21 Final Hearing in Apple App Store Antitrust Case

The regulator is pressing ahead as Apple withholds audited financials that could shape a penalty calculated on global revenue.

Overview

  • India’s antitrust watchdog, in an April 8 order reviewed by Reuters and reported Monday, said Apple has not filed financials since October 2024 and fixed a May 21 final hearing.
  • The CCI gave Apple two more weeks to respond and warned that holding back audited figures could limit Apple’s ability to challenge the size of any fine.
  • Apple denies wrongdoing, is challenging India’s penalty framework in the Delhi High Court, and asked the CCI to pause its case, a request the watchdog rejected.
  • CCI investigators concluded in 2024 that Apple abused its position by forcing app developers to use Apple’s in‑app purchase system with commissions of up to 30%, a case that began in 2021 and later drew in Match Group and Indian startups.
  • India’s 2023 law allows fines based on average global turnover, which Apple says could lift its exposure to as much as $38 billion as its local market share rises to about 9%.