Apple urges CCI to quash India antitrust findings, alleging 'copy-pasted' evidence

Apple has escalated its challenge against the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) antitrust investigation, alleging that the regulator relied heavily on copied material instead of conducting an independent inquiry. Ahead of a closed-door hearing with CCI officials, the iPhone maker has urged the watchdog to set aside its findings, citing what it describes as serious procedural flaws in the three-year investigation.

The CCI launched its probe into Apple after receiving complaints over the company's App Store fees and policies. In 2024, the regulator concluded that Apple had engaged in anti-competitive practices, a finding the company has consistently disputed.

According to Reuters, Apple's latest submission alleges that the CCI's investigation "blindly replicated" a consumer spending graphic from a European Union regulation. The company also claims that large portions of the investigation reproduced submissions filed by rivals, including Match, PhonePe and Paytm, without independent verification.

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Apple argued that "The DG (Director General) made no effort whatsoever to independently verify or critically assess these statements," adding that the investigation was "often parroting them verbatim."

The company further claimed that throughout the three-year investigation, it was not given "a single opportunity to record its statements and provide oral evidence," preventing it from fully presenting its case before the regulator.

On the basis of these allegations, Apple has argued that the CCI failed to conduct an independent investigation and that its findings should therefore be quashed.

Apple also contended that the regulator's approach differed from the treatment afforded to Google during a similar antitrust investigation. In that case, Google was given multiple opportunities to defend itself, even as it similarly accused the CCI of copying portions of a European Commission ruling in its findings.

Apple's refusal to offer global financial documents

The CCI launched its investigation after receiving complaints over Apple's App Store policies and commissions. In 2024, the regulator concluded that Apple had abused its dominant position in the app marketplace, a finding the company has consistently denied.

A key issue in the proceedings has been the financial information Apple is required to provide. The CCI has sought revenue details to assess any potential penalty under India's competition law. Apple initially resisted providing certain financial records but later agreed to cooperate with the investigation.

Separately, Apple has challenged the application of India's amended competition law, arguing that it should not be used to calculate any penalty for conduct that predated the amendment. The legal challenge remains before the courts.

The latest submission, in which Apple alleges that the CCI relied on copied material and failed to independently verify evidence, comes ahead of a closed-door hearing between the company and the regulator scheduled for July 21, 2026.

The case follows a similar antitrust investigation into Google by the CCI, in which the company also challenged aspects of the regulator's investigative process.

The proceedings come as Apple continues to expand its manufacturing presence in India. Since beginning local iPhone assembly in 2017, the company has steadily increased production in the country, which has become an increasingly important part of Apple's global supply chain.