Match Group, the parent company behind popular dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and OkCupid, has voiced strong opposition to Apple’s App Store payment policies, warning that the tech giant’s commission fees could hamper its growth prospects in India. The company said Apple’s 30% service fee on in-app purchases poses a major challenge for its operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing dating markets.

India Becomes a Key Market for Match Group

India has emerged as a critical growth region for Match Group, with Tinder ranking among the country’s most-used dating platforms. The company emphasized that its Indian user base has shown rapid expansion, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and openness to online dating. However, Match claims that Apple’s strict payment rules and high commissions could undermine affordability for Indian users and slow down local adoption rates.

Apple’s Payment Policy Under Fire

Apple requires app developers to use its in-app payment system for digital services, taking a cut of up to 30% from every transaction. Match Group argues this model is unsustainable, especially in price-sensitive markets like India. The company is advocating for fairer competition and the ability to use third-party billing systems, a stance supported by several other global app developers.

Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies in India

The issue has caught the attention of Indian regulators, particularly the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which has been examining whether Apple’s App Store policies violate antitrust laws. Match Group has reportedly engaged with Indian authorities to highlight how Apple’s billing rules restrict consumer choice and harm digital innovation.

Global Context: Tech Giants Face Growing Pushback

Match’s latest criticism aligns with a global wave of resistance against Apple’s App Store fees. Similar disputes have unfolded in the United States, Europe, and South Korea, where regulators have urged Apple to open its payment systems. The outcome in India could set a precedent for how digital marketplaces operate in emerging economies.

Match Group’s Appeal for Reform

In its statement, Match Group urged Apple to reconsider its approach, calling for flexible billing systems that would allow developers to offer more affordable subscription options. The company maintained that lowering barriers for app-based businesses would help foster digital entrepreneurship and consumer access in India’s expanding internet economy.