Apple faces a fast‑track penalty decision from India’s Competition Commission after it failed to provide the financial and market data the regulator requested. The CCI’s 2024 report accused the company of leveraging its App Store monopoly to force developers into its proprietary in‑app purchase system. Apple denied wrongdoing, citing its modest footprint in the market.

iPhone share in India has climbed to 9 % from 4 % two years ago, weakening Apple’s claim of a minor presence. Since October 2024 the firm has not submitted its financials, pointing to a pending Delhi High Court challenge of India’s antitrust penalty law. Analysts estimate a potential fine could reach $38 billion, a figure Apple says would be grossly disproportionate.

The commission rejected Apple’s March request to pause the proceedings, calling the move a stall tactic. It has given the company two weeks to file a response and, for the first time, scheduled a final hearing for May 21. With the deadline looming, Apple must decide whether to comply or risk a record‑size sanction.