Documents reveal that Apple has accused India's competition regulator of exceeding its authority by forcing the US tech giant to submit financial data in an antitrust case concerning the iPhone app market. Apple has also challenged the relevant penalty regulations. A review of a non-public document filed by Apple with an Indian court on April 24th shows the latest sign of the company's increasingly tense standoff with Indian investigators over the case. Apple stated that the case could potentially expose it to fines of up to $38 billion.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been demanding financial information from Apple since 2024—information typically used to calculate penalties—following an investigation that concluded Apple abused its dominant market position. Apple has resisted, arguing that it has already challenged the entire legal framework for calculating antitrust fines in India before a court in New Delhi, and that the regulator must wait. This month, the CCI issued an ultimatum to Apple, demanding the submission of financial data and scheduling a final hearing for May 21st.
Subsequently, Apple urged the Delhi High Court to intervene urgently and suspend the proceedings. In its petition, Apple stated, "The Commission's decision to schedule a final hearing marks a further escalation of its attempt to usurp the powers of the Hon'ble Court." The company has requested the court to hear the case on May 15th.
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