Apple Accuses India Regulator of Copy-Pasting Rivals' Claims, Cites Sub-6% Market Share
AAPL•Apple alleges India's Competition Commission copy-pasted rivals' claims and an EU app-spending graphic without independent analysis in its antitrust probe. The company cited its sub-6% Indian smartphone market share and warned mandated App Store alterations would disrupt its integrated business model and deter digital-economy investment.
1. Allegations of Copy-Pasting
Apple has filed regulatory papers with the Competition Commission of India alleging that its investigation report reproduced verbatim submissions from competitors including Match, PhonePe, and Paytm, plus an EU ruling graphic on global app spending, rather than performing its own independent analysis.
2. Market Share and Business Model Concerns
In its submission, Apple stated it holds below 6% of the Indian smartphone market and warned that any mandated alterations to its App Store policies could undermine its integrated hardware-software ecosystem and deter further investment in India's digital economy.
3. Next Steps in the Antitrust Case
A closed-door hearing with senior CCI officials and case participants is set for July 21, following a 2024 CCI finding of abusive conduct related to mandatory use of Apple's payment system and past enforcement actions that forced other global tech firms to adjust their platforms.
