The Competition Commission of India is reportedly about to announce its findings that Apple violated antitrust laws in its App Store and has informed the company. An organization called "Together We Fight Society" (TWFS) complained to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in 2021 about Apple's App Store rules and fees. In July 2024, the Competition Commission of India made a preliminary conclusion that Apple had abused its dominant position in digital services and products.
However, as part of the 2024 announcement, Apple said the Consumers Association disclosed confidential and sensitive information such as sales figures. The rights group's 142-page report has not been made public, but has been distributed to some parties, including TWFS.
Not only did Apple object to the disclosure of the information, it also accused TWFS of failing to ensure that the reports were destroyed. The company, therefore, asked the CCI to "take action against TWFS for non-compliance with its orders".
However, Apple also asked the CCI to withdraw the report and end the investigation. TWFS responded that "Apple's request to temporarily shelve the investigation report is considered untenable." The CCI has continued its investigation and is in the process of closing the case.
Two unspecified sources said the CCI believed Apple violated India's anti-competition laws by requiring developers to use its in-app payment system. Although the CCI has not officially announced the results of its investigation, sources said that the CCI has informed Apple of the progress. Apple has reportedly received a confidential version of the CCI report to assist the company in preparing its defense. This is said to be the penultimate step before the final hearing and final ruling.
It is unclear how long the Consumers Association plans to give Apple before announcing the results of its investigation, and it is also unknown whether the regulatory agency will issue an order.
In its upcoming defense, Apple is expected to repeat its previous assertion that its market share in India is "insignificant." Apple's market share in India is only 5% at most, so it will likely continue to argue that it did not abuse its dominant position.
However, the CCI had previously directed Google to allow third-party payment systems into the Google Play Store. Therefore, Apple will likely be required to open its App Store in the same way as it does in the EU and Japan.