The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has moved into the final phase of its long-running antitrust investigation into Apple.
Following years of scrutiny and legal back-and-forth, the regulator scheduled today April 20th, 2026 as the final hearing for the tech giant to address allegations of anti-competitive behaviour. This decision comes as the watchdog expresses mounting frustration over the company’s refusal to provide specific financial data essential to the case.
The core of the dispute involves Apple’s App Store policies. Investigators previously concluded that the company allegedly abused its dominant position by forcing developers to use its proprietary in-app billing system. This practice allows the firm to collect commissions reaching up to thirty percent, a fee structure that critics argue stifles competition and drives up costs for consumers. While Apple has consistently denied these claims, the CCI findings suggest that such control over the iOS ecosystem limits market access for third-party payment processors.
Meanwhile, a significant hurdle in the recent proceedings has been the disclosure of financial information. The CCI requested detailed revenue data to help determine potential penalties if the company is found guilty. However, the tech giant has withheld certain datasets, citing confidentiality concerns and arguing that its market share in India is too small to warrant such intensive regulatory interference. Apple maintains that Google’s Android remains the dominant platform in the region and that its own practices are designed to protect user security and privacy.
The regulator has rejected several of the company’s requests for further extensions, noting that repeated delays impede the timely conclusion of the legal process. By setting a final hearing date, the CCI is signaling that its patience has reached its limit. This move suggests the commission is prepared to make a definitive ruling based on the evidence currently at its disposal, even if the requested financial disclosures remain incomplete.
For the Cupertino-based company, the stakes are high. India represents one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world. A negative ruling could result in significant monetary fines and a mandatory overhaul of its business model within the country. Such a shift might include allowing developers to use alternative payment systems or permitting the installation of third-party app stores.
For now, the tech industry is watching closely to see if India will follow the lead of the European Union in forcing major changes to how global tech leaders manage their digital marketplaces.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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