NEW DELHI: Apple Inc. has petitioned the Delhi High Court to stop India’s antitrust regulator, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), from demanding its global financial records as part of an ongoing probe into alleged abuse of dominance in its App Store.
The company filed the request on January 15, 2026, arguing that compliance would undermine its separate challenge to India’s 2024 penalty rules.
Probe Focuses on App Store Dominance
The CCI investigation examines claims that Apple abuses its market position through restrictive App Store policies, including mandatory use of its in-app payment system and associated fees. Apple denies the allegations and has resisted providing detailed financial data.
A confidential CCI order dated December 31, 2025, demanded the records to help assess potential penalties.
Challenge to Global Turnover Penalty Rules
Apple is separately contesting amendments to India’s Competition Act introduced in 2024, which allow fines based on a company’s global turnover rather than just domestic revenue. The company warns this could result in penalties up to $38 billion—potentially 10% of its average global services revenue—if violations are upheld.
Apple argues the rules are disproportionate, arbitrary, and possibly retrospective.
Court Requests Interim Relief
In its non-public filing, Apple asked the court to direct the CCI not to take coercive action and to stay the entire investigation pending resolution of the penalty-rules challenge. The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for January 27, 2026.
Neither Apple nor the CCI responded to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
The case highlights tensions between global tech giants and India’s competition enforcement, especially after the 2024 amendments aligned penalties with international practices. CCI has defended the framework as essential to deter breaches by multinationals.
A favorable ruling for Apple could delay or halt the probe, while rejection would pressure the company to comply.