Apple has successfully prevented its opponents in India, including Tinder-owner Match Group and a group of startups, from accessing commercially sensitive information related to antitrust findings against the U.S. tech giant, according to a confidential order.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had launched an investigation last year into Apple's alleged exploitation of its dominant position in the iOS app store market. The probe found that Apple's practices negatively impacted app developers, users, and other payment processors. However, Apple has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that it remains a small player in India, where Google's Android operating system dominates the market.

While the investigation process has concluded, the CCI’s senior members have yet to review the findings and issue a final ruling. If confirmed guilty of antitrust violations, Apple could face fines and be forced to alter its business practices.

Apple's opponents, including Match and the startup group Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), requested access to specific confidential details, such as developer payouts and total billings. However, these details had been redacted when investigation reports were shared. Match claimed that Apple frequently employs excessive redactions globally to avoid scrutiny.

Despite these objections, the CCI ruled in Apple's favor, stating that revealing such information was neither necessary nor beneficial at this stage. The order, dated March 3, emphasized that disclosure could potentially harm Apple's business interests, particularly since Match is involved in similar legal battles with Apple in other jurisdictions.

The Indian case was initially filed by the non-profit group "Together We Fight Society," which argued that Apple’s in-app fee of up to 30% stifles competition by increasing costs for developers and consumers.

As of the end of 2024, Apple’s iOS accounted for about 4% of India's 712 million smartphones, while Google's Android dominated the market. However, Apple’s presence in India has grown significantly, with its smartphone base expanding fivefold in the past five years.

Apple still has the option to oppose the CCI's findings, while the commission’s senior officials are expected to deliver a final ruling in the coming weeks.

In a related case in 2022, the CCI imposed a $113 million fine on Google, requiring it to allow third-party billing and stop mandating its in-app payment system, which charged commissions of 15%-30%. Google has also denied any misconduct.