A long-running dispute between Apple and India’s competition regulator is approaching a decisive moment, with a final hearing scheduled for May 21 following the company’s continued refusal to share key financial details. The development, first highlighted by Reuters, centres on Apple’s lack of response to requests from the Competition Commission of India, which has been investigating the firm since October 2024.

Regulators in India argue that Apple has taken advantage of its strong position by requiring developers to rely on its in-house system for in-app payments. This arrangement, they claim, restricts competition and limits choice within the app ecosystem. Apple has pushed back against these claims, stating that Android devices dominate the Indian market and that iPhones represent only a smaller portion of total smartphone usage. Despite this defence, Apple’s presence has been steadily increasing, with its share reaching nine per cent in 2025 based on figures from Counterpoint Research.

The latest directive from the regulator notes that Apple has already been given multiple chances to present its position or challenge the findings. However, officials say the company has yet to provide the necessary financial disclosures, which are essential for calculating any potential penalties. Apple has warned that fines could reach as high as A$58 billion, and has pointed to a separate legal challenge against India’s framework for imposing antitrust penalties as part of its response.

Tensions between Apple and Indian authorities are not new. In an earlier disagreement, the company declined to pre-install a government-backed application known as Sanchar Saathi on its devices. Although the requirement was eventually withdrawn, the current case appears to be moving forward with greater determination. Reuters reports that the regulator has granted Apple an additional two weeks to submit its response before the hearing takes place.