Like Google, Apple may now be asked by CCI to change app store policy

In December 2021, CCI had initiated a probe into Apple's policies following allegations by Together We Fight Society about its high commission and lack of third party options

Apple
Photo: Bloomberg
BS Web Team New Delhi
2 min read Last Updated : Feb 15 2023 | 8:23 AM IST
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is about to complete its investigation into the billing policies of Apple and its app store, a report in the Economic Times (ET) said, citing people aware of the matter. The iPhone maker may, like Google, be asked to change its app and commission policies by the competition regulator. 

In December 2021, CCI had initiated a probe into Apple's policies following allegations by Together We Fight Society about its high commission and lack of third-party options. Later, some other companies also filed similar cases. 

"The findings of the probe are very much in line with what the CCI said on the Google Play billing issue," a person aware of the matter told ET. They added that the only reason why the findings have not been revealed yet is the absence of a sitting chairperson for the CCI. The post has remained empty since October 25, 2022. 

The findings have not yet been shared with the CCI board. Ultimately, the decision in the matter will be taken by the board only. 

On October 25, CCI imposed a penalty of Rs 936.44 crore on Google for abusing its dominant position in the Android market. In India, Android has a market share of 95.1 per cent. In the ruling, CCI asked the tech giant to change its billing process for Google Play Store and allow other app developers to use a third-party payment processor. 

The ET report added that Apple may be subjected to a similar penalty. Moreover, the Centre is also mulling changes in the formula used for calculating penalties. 

Currently, a penalty of up to 10 per cent of a company's average turnover is imposed by the CCI. Now, the penalty may be imposed on the basis of the company's global turnover. Apple's global turnover was $39.4 billion as of October 2022. 

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Quarterly Starter

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

Save 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :GoogleApple Competition Commission of IndiaCCITechnologyAndroidApple iOSGoogle Play StoreiPhoneApple app storeApp StoreBS Web Reports

Next Story