Apple has accused the Competition Commission of India (CCI) of relying on copied allegations from its rivals in the ongoing antitrust investigation, according to medianama.com. The company claims the CCI built its case by reproducing submissions from competitors like Match Group, PhonePe, and Paytm without conducting independent analysis. Apple also highlighted its 6% share in India’s smartphone market, describing itself as a "miniscule player" in the country.
According to medianama.com, Apple submitted side-by-side tables comparing the CCI’s report with filings from its rivals, arguing that the Director General of the investigation did not critically assess or verify the statements but instead "parroted them verbatim." The company also pointed out that the CCI’s team replicated a consumer spending graphic from a 2024 EU ruling against Apple. Throughout the three-year probe, Apple said it was not given any opportunity to provide oral evidence or record statements.
Apple contrasted its treatment with that of Google in a similar antitrust case, noting that Google was allowed multiple chances to present its case and explain its business model to the regulator. This difference in approach is central to Apple’s complaint, which suggests a lack of procedural fairness in the CCI’s investigation. The case highlights ongoing tensions between global tech companies and Indian regulators over competition and market dominance issues.
The antitrust investigation against Apple by the CCI has been ongoing for three years, with Apple’s formal submissions challenging the regulator’s methodology and fairness, as reported by medianama.com.