India, Dec. 27 -- Stepping up its antitrust probe into Apple, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has now reportedly agreed to bring the big tech major inside a "confidentiality ring" ahead of the final hearing in the matter next year.

The watchdog agreed to set up the "confidentiality ring" last week, NDTV Profit reported, citing sources. The move will enable the big tech major to access confidential information pertaining to the antitrust case before the CCI kicks off final hearing in the case.

Introduced in 2022, the regime allows parties to have access to confidential information or documents relating to other parties in a probe to better defend themselves. Subject to certain riders, the confidentiality ring helps regulators d...