India's Competition Commission of India (CCI) has delivered a final warning to Apple, signaling its intent to proceed with an ongoing antitrust investigation. This ultimatum comes after the US tech giant allegedly delayed responses and undermined the probe for over a year, despite being granted multiple extensions since October 2024. The investigation, which originated in 2022 from complaints lodged by Indian startups and Tinder-owner Match Group, centers on accusations that Apple engaged in 'abusive conduct' in the iOS app market. Investigators concluded in 2024 that Apple abused its dominant position, particularly concerning in-app purchase fees and restrictions on third-party payment processors and alternative app stores. Apple has denied these allegations and is currently challenging the CCI's penalty rules in the Delhi High Court. The company fears it could face astronomical fines of up to $38 billion if the Indian watchdog applies a global turnover calculation for penalties, a method enabled by India's 2024 Competition Amendment Act. While the court hears Apple's challenge, a confidential CCI order from December 31, 2025, reveals that Apple privately sought to pause the entire antitrust case. However, the CCI firmly rejected this request, criticizing the repeated extensions as undermining procedural discipline and impeding the timely conclusion of proceedings. The CCI has given Apple a final deadline, threatening to proceed unilaterally if no response is received by next week. This development underscores India's assertive stance in regulating global technology firms and could set significant precedents for tech regulation in the country's rapidly growing digital economy.