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The antitrust body, which is yet to deliver its verdict, has shared its confidential investigation report with Apple and Apple Distribution International Ltd to allow them to prepare their defence, the report said.
The investigation, initiated in December 2021, focuses on allegations that Apple abused its dominant position in the iOS app store market. It also looked into claims that Apple forces developers to use its in-app purchase system, charging fees of up to 30%. This affects app developers, users, and payment processors.
Also Read: ETtech Explainer: Apple faces setback in CCI antitrust case
In July, Reuters reported that two investigation reports by the CCI’s antitrust unit in 2022 and 2024 concluded Apple had exploited its dominance in the market for app stores on its iOS platform. However, Apple raised concerns in August, alleging the initial investigation report disclosed confidential commercial data. This prompted the CCI to recall the reports, issue revised versions, and order the destruction of the originals.
Apple later accused the complainant, Together We Fight Society (TWFS), of failing to comply with the destruction order and sought action against TWFS while requesting a hold on the revised reports. The CCI dismissed Apple’s request, terming it “untenable.”
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In November, the CCI rejected Apple’s plea to pause the investigation report, allowing the case to move forward. CCI also fined Meta $25.4 million and directed WhatsApp not to share user data for advertising purposes with its parent company or other Meta-owned apps for five years.Apple has faced similar regulatory scrutiny in the European Union. In March, the European Commission fined the company over 1.8 billion euros for “abusing its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users through its App Store.”
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