Apple’s legal battle with India’s competition regulator is intensifying after the company accused the Competition Commission of India (CCI) of overstepping judicial authority in its antitrust investigation into the iPhone apps market. At the center of the dispute is CCI’s demand that Apple submit detailed financial records while the company simultaneously challenges the legal framework used to calculate penalties.

Apple argues that India’s regulator should pause proceedings until the Delhi High Court rules on its broader challenge to the country’s antitrust penalty law. In a recent court filing, Apple claimed the CCI’s move to set a final hearing date and issue an ultimatum for financial disclosure represents an improper escalation that undermines the court’s authority.

The case stems from a 2024 investigation in which Indian regulators concluded Apple may have abused its dominant position in the app ecosystem. Financial disclosures are typically used to determine the scale of fines, and Apple fears potential exposure reaching as high as $38 billion.

India has become an increasingly important growth market for Apple, with iPhone market share rising from 4% to 9% in just two years. However, Apple maintains that its role remains relatively minor compared with Google’s Android dominance, arguing that competitive realities should factor into any regulatory action.

This clash reflects broader global scrutiny of Apple’s App Store practices, as governments worldwide examine the company’s control over app distribution, payment systems, and developer access. The outcome in India could significantly affect Apple’s legal strategy in other emerging markets and influence future regulatory frameworks for digital competition.