Apple(US:AAPL) Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2026-01-23 09:37Core Viewpoint - India's antitrust agency has issued an ultimatum to Apple, threatening to proceed with an investigation that could result in fines up to $38 billion if the company continues to delay its response [1][2]. Group 1: Antitrust Investigation - The case against Apple dates back to 2022 when Match Group and several Indian startups accused the company of abusing its dominant market position by imposing unfair commissions on app developers, known as the "Apple tax" [1]. - The Indian Competition Commission (CCI) has preliminarily found that Apple has abused its market dominance, affecting developers' returns and growth [1]. - In 2024, India revised its antitrust laws to increase penalties for violations, allowing fines to be based on a company's global revenue, with a cap of 10% of the average global turnover over the past three years [1]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - Following the CCI's findings, Apple filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court, claiming that the penalty regulations are unconstitutional and disproportionate [2]. - The CCI has pressured Apple to submit objections to the investigation results and provide global financial data for penalty assessment, but Apple has repeatedly requested extensions [2]. - The CCI issued a final ultimatum to Apple, stating that if no response is received within a week, it will unilaterally advance the case [2]. Group 3: Global Context - The legal challenges Apple faces in India are part of a broader trend, as regulatory bodies in regions like the EU and the US have also taken action against the "Apple tax" [3]. - In 2020, the EU initiated an antitrust investigation against Apple, resulting in a €1.84 billion fine in 2024 and new regulations requiring Apple to allow software downloads from outside its app store [3]. - In the US, Epic Games has successfully pushed for a court ruling requiring Apple to allow external payment links, leading to changes in Apple's App Store guidelines [4]. Group 4: Compliance Measures - In response to regulatory pressures, Apple has relaxed its App Store policies in Japan, reducing the commission rates for the "Apple tax" to between 10% and 21% [5].