In a significant development, India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found that Apple Inc. abused its dominant position in the market for app stores on its iOS operating system. A confidential report obtained by Reuters reveals that Apple engaged in “abusive conduct and practices” by imposing unfair terms on app developers.
The CCI has been investigating Apple since 2021 over allegations that the tech giant forced developers to use its proprietary in-app purchase system, limiting fair competition in the app market. The 142-page report dated June 24 states that Apple’s App Store is an unavoidable trading partner for app developers on the iOS platform.
“Apple wields significant influence over how digital products and services reach consumers,” the report states. “From the perspective of app developers, the Apple iOS ecosystem is indispensable.”
Apple has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it is a minor player in India, where Google’s Android system dominates the smartphone market. Both Apple and the CCI did not respond to requests for comment on the findings.
The findings come at a time when Apple faces increased antitrust scrutiny globally. In June, European Union antitrust regulators declared that Apple breached the bloc’s technology rules, potentially leading to substantial fines. The company is also under investigation for imposing new fees on app developers.
In response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act introduced in January, Apple outlined plans to allow software developers to distribute their apps to users in the European Union outside of Apple’s own App Store.
The CCI’s report marks a critical phase in the Indian investigation. The findings will be reviewed by the watchdog’s senior officials, and Apple and other parties will have the opportunity to respond before a final decision is reached. Potential outcomes include monetary fines and directives for Apple to alter its business practices in India.
This investigation underscores the growing global focus on fair competition in digital markets and the regulation of tech giants that hold significant sway over digital ecosystems.
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India antitrust probe finds Apple abused position in apps market
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