The competitive body in India has determined that Apple crimes its market supremacy.

India accuses Apple of abusing its dominant market share for iOS apps
Last updated 3 hours agoAfter a three-year investigation, Indian regulators concluded that Apple was using antitrust practices by forcing App Store developers into using its in-app payments system. The Competition Commission of India began investigating Apple in the year 2021 after a complaint was filed by a group named “Together We Fight Society.” The complaint of the group is confidential under Indian law, but its founder has publicly stated that Apple’s 30% fee was too high and that App Store rules, including removing apps, must be addressed. Reuters reports that the CCI’s investigation is now complete. The report is 142 pages long and has not been released. It states that Apple has “significant” influence over digital products and service. The report, as seen by Reuters states that “Apple App Store has become an unavoidable partner for app developers.” As a result, app developers are forced to accept Apple’s unfair conditions, including the use of Apple proprietary billing and payments system. Apple reportedly claimed that the App Store’s safety and security depended on funds received through the in-app payments system during the investigation. Apple also claimed that its market share is “insignificant” in India, between 0% and 5 %. CCI, however, did not accept that argument. Apple’s App Store is the only App Store available to iOS users. “App stores are OS (operating system) specific,” it said. Apple’s payment policy is detrimental to app developers, users, and other payment processors. The report reveals the CCI took into account comments from rival companies such as Amazon, Uber, Microsoft, and others, during its investigation. The report hasn’t been released publicly, and the CCI hasn’t yet issued an official statement. There is no timetable for what could happen as a consequence. Apple, and any other parties mentioned in the report, will have a chance to respond. India will then consider punishment. India may impose fines but it could also demand that Apple change its business practices. Apple’s decision to reduce its dependence on China in the manufacturing of its devices has also benefited India. According to the latest figures, 14% of iPhones are now manufactured in India.

 

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