The CCI has sent a “non-confidential version” of its report to Apple to get its response, PTI reported. The final hearing of the case will begin after Apple submits its response.
Last month, CCI’s investigation unit found that Apple was implementing unfair trade practices as its iOS ecosystem has become indispensable for developers.
This was only a supplementary report filed in June by the investigation unit as the CCI was not satisfied with the initial report.
The supplementary report said,” Apple App Store is an unavoidable trading partner for app developers, and resultantly, app developers have no choice but to adhere to Apple’s unfair terms, including the mandatory use of Apple’s proprietary billing and payment system.”
In 2021, a Jaipur-based non-profit organisation (NPO) Together We Fight Society filed an antitrust case where the NPO alleged that high in-app fees and other restrictions by Apple raise costs for app developers and customers alike, ultimately hurting competition and acting as a barrier to enter the market. Following this, the CCI ordered a probe against Apple after finding the company faces guilty of abusing its position.
Later, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) and Tinder owner Match Group also filed similar antitrust lawsuits against the company.
However, the tech giant has maintained that the commission charged by it does not impact the competitiveness of developers.
Big tech giants have been under the eye of the CCI for various alleged violations.
Back in 2022, the antitrust watchdog imposed a fine of INR 936.44 Cr on Google for abusing its dominant position in the app store market.
Google continues to defend the CCI’s findings as it is currently contesting the verdict at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). Earlier this year, it said that the penalty levied by the CCI on the company was “amorphous and overbearing”.
