India Warns Apple Against Delaying Antitrust Investigation Over App Store Practices
The Indian government has issued a stern warning to Apple, emphasizing that its antitrust investigation will proceed without any further delay, after regulatory authorities viewed the tech giant’s repeated requests for extensions as attempts to stall the process.
The case centers on allegations that Apple is abusing its control over iOS and the App Store, compelling developers to use its proprietary payment system and pay high commissions. Regulators argue that these practices hinder free competition and limit user choice.
Authorities in India stressed that the legal proceedings would not be affected by additional memos or requests for postponement, asserting that competition laws will be enforced rigorously regardless of a company’s global size or technological influence. The fast-growing smartphone market in India, they noted, demands a fair competitive environment, preventing dominant players from imposing restrictive rules that distort market balance.
Apple has maintained that its policies aim to protect users and ensure data security, providing a safe and reliable ecosystem for developers, while committing to cooperate with local regulators. Analysts warn that a strict ruling in India could have global implications, potentially affecting Apple’s business model and policies beyond the Indian market.