Apple’s 30% App Store Fee in India Faces Antitrust Challenge from Match Group

Apple’s App Store Fees Under Scrutiny in India

Match Group, the parent company of popular dating app Tinder, has reportedly warned that Apple’s commission fees of up to 30% could significantly hamper its growth prospects in India’s rapidly expanding dating market. According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the company submitted these concerns to India’s Competition Commission (CCI) as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation.

Apple’s App Store Fees Under Scrutiny in India
Antitrust Battle Intensifies
Growth Concerns in Booming Market
Allegations of Discriminatory Treatment
Global Antitrust Context
Potential Penalties and Deterrence
Market Position and Response

Antitrust Battle Intensifies

Sources indicate that Match Group has been engaged in legal proceedings with Apple since 2022 before the Indian competition watchdog. The conflict escalated last year when CCI investigators issued a report alleging that Apple had engaged in what they described as “abusive conduct” within its iOS ecosystem. Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that it represents a minor player in India’s smartphone market, which is predominantly dominated by Android devices.

In its October 13 response to the CCI’s findings, Match reportedly urged regulators to issue final directives requiring Apple to discontinue practices the dating app company characterizes as anti-competitive. “Apple’s policies adversely affect the return on capital and revenue streams of Match’s portfolio brands,” the company stated in its submission, according to Reuters.

Growth Concerns in Booming Market

Analysts suggest the stakes are particularly high given India’s promising dating app market, which advisory firm MarketNtel estimates will reach approximately $1.42 billion by 2030. Tinder currently ranks among the dominant players in this sector. Match Group cautioned regulators that “in the long term, the constraints and excessive fee imposed by Apple will stifle the growth and scalability of Match’s portfolio brands,” though the company did not quantify the potential financial impact.

Allegations of Discriminatory Treatment

The report states that Match Group’s submission highlighted what it perceives as inconsistent application of Apple’s commission policies. The company argued that Uber’s ride-hailing service receives classification as providing physical goods and consequently pays lower commissions, while Tinder is treated as offering digital services subject to higher fees. Match Group contended that “Tinder and Uber both offer matchmaking services in essence,” suggesting the distinction warrants equivalent treatment.

Global Antitrust Context

Apple’s App Store policies face increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide. According to recent developments, a London tribunal ruled that Apple abused its dominant position by charging app developers unfair commissions. Similarly, European Union regulators ordered Apple in April to remove restrictions preventing developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store, imposing a fine of 500 million euros ($583 million). Apple subsequently revised its App Store rules in June to comply with the EU mandate.

Potential Penalties and Deterrence

The CCI possesses authority to levy fines against Apple amounting to up to 10% of its global average turnover over the preceding three financial years. Match Group’s submission emphasized that penalties based on Apple’s worldwide revenue, rather than just its Indian operations, could “act as a significant deterrent against recidivism.”

Market Position and Response

Industry data from Counterpoint Research indicates that iOS powers approximately 4.5% of India’s 735 million smartphones as of mid-2025, with the remaining majority utilizing Android. Apple has reportedly stated that it represents a minor competitor in the Indian market. Neither Apple, Match Group, nor the CCI responded to Reuters’ requests for comment on the recent developments.

The outcome of this antitrust confrontation could establish significant precedents for how global tech platforms operate within India’s digital economy, particularly as the country’s app market continues its rapid expansion.