Apple has successfully blocked its opponents, including Match Group (owner of Tinder) and a coalition of startups under the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), from accessing commercially sensitive information in an ongoing antitrust investigation in India, a confidential order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) reveals. The decision, reported by Reuters on March 12, 2025, marks a significant development in the case, which accuses Apple of monopolistic practices through its App Store policies.
The antitrust probe, initiated by a little-known non-profit group called “Together We Fight Society,” alleges that Apple’s in-app payment system and 30% commission fees harm competition by raising costs for app developers and customers, as noted in Reuters and The Express Tribune. Match and ADIF, representing various startups, had requested access to confidential data, including developer payouts and total billings, which were redacted in the investigation reports shared by the CCI. However, Apple argued that disclosing this information could harm its commercial interests, particularly given Match’s involvement in similar antitrust proceedings globally.
The CCI’s order, as reported by Investing.com, upheld Apple’s position, stating, “The Commission notes that disclosure of such redacted information at this stage to ADIF and Match is neither necessary nor expedient … and disclosure of the same could potentially cause harm to the interests of Apple and other third parties.” The ruling reflects Apple’s concerns about competitive disadvantage, especially since Match is engaged in parallel legal battles with Apple in other jurisdictions, such as the U.S. and Europe, over App Store policies, per Reuters.
Apple, which denies any wrongdoing, maintains that it holds a small market share in India, where Google’s Android operating system dominates with over 96% of the smartphone market, as per Counterpoint Research’s 2024 data cited in tribune.com.pk. With iOS powering just 4% of the 712 million smartphones in India as of December 2024, Apple argues its practices do not constitute a monopoly. The investigation process has concluded, but the CCI’s senior members are yet to review the findings and issue a final ruling, which could result in fines or require Apple to alter its practices if found guilty, according to The Express Tribune.
Match and ADIF had sought unredacted access to Apple’s financial data to strengthen their case, accusing Apple of excessively redacting information globally to obstruct scrutiny, as reported by Investing.com. However, the CCI’s decision prioritizes Apple’s commercial confidentiality, leaving Match and the startups with limited access to the requested details.
The Indian case, first filed in 2022, mirrors international disputes, such as Apple’s conflict with Match in the Netherlands, where it faced a €50 million fine and agreed to allow alternative payment methods in Dutch dating apps, per Reuters. In India, the stakes are high, with Apple’s App Store fees under scrutiny for potentially stifling innovation and raising costs for developers, particularly in a market where digital services are booming, as noted in tribune.com.pk.
Neither Apple, Match, ADIF, nor the CCI responded to Reuters’ queries for further comment, but the ruling has sparked debate among legal and tech experts. “This decision highlights the delicate balance between competition law and corporate confidentiality,” said tech analyst Rishi Kapoor, quoted in The Express Tribune. “It could set a precedent for how sensitive data is handled in future antitrust cases in India.”
As the antitrust probe continues, Apple’s move to protect its sensitive information underscores the intensifying global scrutiny of its App Store practices. For Pakistanis and Indians alike, the outcome could influence app pricing, developer opportunities, and digital innovation, making this a pivotal moment in India’s tech landscape.
