After Apple (AAPL, Financials) refused to disclose data, Indian officials are pursuing an antitrust complaint. By scheduling a final hearing for May 21, the Competition Commission of India aims to take the matter forward without Apple’s legal challenges.
The argument centers on whether Apple misused its app marketplace position by pushing developers to utilize its in-app payment system. Investigators have found the company may have breached competition regulations, but now they must determine sanctions.
Apple has not submitted financial records required by the authorities, which are used to compute fines. The corporation has instead challenged India’s broader penalty system in court and sought to delay proceedings.
That approach may be limited. By scheduling a hearing, the regulator indicates it intends to resolve the case. Legal experts warn that Apple may lose its capacity to negotiate reduced penalties if it fails to submit the required information.
The stakes are high. Apple warned that penalties might be high, especially if global revenue is considered. Apple’s iPhone share has grown in India, even if Android smartphones remain dominate. Apple will decide whether to directly engage with the regulator before the hearing or fight the case in court.
