Apple has hauled India’s competition regulator into court, refusing to hand over its financial statements. The watchdog wants the data to size a penalty after a 2024 probe found the company misused App Store power. Reuters says the fine could total $38 billion. The EU has already forced Apple to allow alternative app stores, a precedent India may follow.

Apple argues the request exceeds the watchdog’s statutory authority, noting it was given a May 21, 2026 deadline to comply. The company cites the Competition Act, arguing the demand lacks procedural fairness. Instead, it filed a petition in New Delhi, urging the court to dismiss the entire antitrust proceeding. A hearing is set for May 15, putting both sides on a tight procedural timetable.

India remains a growth market for Apple, with iPhone share climbing to roughly 10 percent, double the figure two years ago. Yet Android still dominates, leaving Apple a small player compared with Google’s ecosystem. Could push Apple to cut its 30% commission for Indian developers, forcing a rethink of its platform policies.