India's Competition Commission has issued a warning to Apple, stating it will proceed with enforcement measures if the company further delays its response. The regulator noted Apple has not answered its questions for more than a year.
This situation could lead to unilateral action against the iPhone manufacturer. The case involves significant financial risk, with potential fines reaching $38 billion if calculated based on global turnover.
Apple has denied any misconduct and is contesting the legality of the penalty framework in Indian courts. A hearing on this challenge is scheduled for January 27.
Even if the regulator moves forward, additional legal proceedings would be required before any fine could be imposed or collected. The case represents a major test for India's antitrust authority against a company whose market value recently approached India's GDP.
While expanding its manufacturing presence in India through partners like Foxconn, Apple faces regulatory tensions in the country. Political factors also create uncertainty, with U.S. President Donald Trump having threatened tariffs that could affect Apple's operations.