The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Friday ordered a detailed investigation against technology major Apple for alleged unfair business practices regarding its App Store.
The CCI, in a 20-page order, said Apple’s App Store is the only channel for app developers to distribute their apps to iOS consumers that comes pre-installed on every iPhone and iPad.
“Further, third-party app stores are not permitted to be listed on Apple’s App Store because the developer guidelines as well as the agreement prohibits app developers from offering such services … these restrictions imposed by Apple for iOS Let’s close the market for App Store. Potential App Distributors,” the CCI said in the order.
According to CCI, it prima facie denies market access to potential app distributors/App Store developers in violation of competition norms.
In addition, such practices result in limiting/restricting the technical or scientific development of the App Store related Services for iOS. Citing these factors, the regulator has ordered a detailed inquiry by its Director General.
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