Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India Escalates Apple Probe Over iOS 18 Repair Costs
India’s consumer regulator is investigating Apple’s iOS 18 update.
Some iPhone users said their phones developed problems after installing it.
Reported problems included colored lines on screens, call trouble, microphone failures and battery drain.
The regulator says some customers had to pay large amounts for repairs.
It is also examining Apple’s rule that its software comes without a warranty.
Apple says iOS 18 was carefully tested and did not cause widespread or safety problems in India.
Apple says users saw the software terms before installing the update.
Investigators will decide whether Apple must pay fines, provide refunds or change its practices.
Surveys found many users reported problems, but they did not prove that iOS 18 caused every issue.
India’s consumer regulator ordered a detailed investigation into Apple’s iOS 18 warranty terms and reported iPhone malfunctions.
Users reported colored screen lines, microphone and call failures, frozen screens, battery drain, touchscreen problems, camera issues and slower performance after updates.
The CCPA alleges consumers were charged exorbitant repair and display-replacement costs for problems it says stemmed from the software upgrade.
Apple says iOS 18 underwent stringent testing, showed no systemic or safety issues in India, and was provided under industry-standard no-warranty software terms.
The investigation could lead to fines, refunds or changes to Apple’s business practices, but it has not established a violation.
- Who
- India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority is investigating Apple after complaints from iPhone users.
- What
- The regulator escalated an investigation into iOS 18 complaints, Apple’s software warranty terms and related repair costs.
- When
- The CCPA ordered a detailed investigation on July 29, and Apple submitted its response on August 20; iOS 18 was released in late 2024.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The investigation concerns allegations that iOS 18 caused or contributed to device problems while Apple’s software terms left consumers responsible for repair costs.
Consumer Regulator’s Allegations
Apple’s Response
Cause of device problems
Consumer Regulator’s Allegations
The CCPA says consumers reported screen, microphone and other malfunctions after the iOS 18 upgrade and alleges the issues stemmed from Apple’s software update.
Apple’s Response
Apple says iOS 18 underwent stringent testing and that it found no systemic issues or safety concerns with the software in India.
Responsibility for repair costs
Consumer Regulator’s Allegations
The CCPA says charging consumers for repairs and display replacements related to the software upgrade violates fair-trade principles.
Apple’s Response
Apple argues that treating every software problem as a breach of an absolute warranty would effectively make software providers insurers against technological risk.
Software warranty terms
Consumer Regulator’s Allegations
The regulator is examining whether Apple’s no-warranty software terms and related practices violate consumer rights.
Apple’s Response
Apple says users were informed of the terms before installation and that similar provisions are used by electronics companies including Sony and Samsung.
Extent and cause of complaints
Consumer Regulator’s Allegations
LocalCircles surveys found that many users continued to report difficulties after upgrading, including call and dropped-call problems.
Apple’s Response
Apple points to the 75 complaints underlying the case, while survey results did not establish that iOS 18 caused every reported issue; some users blamed mobile networks.
- Regulator
- India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- Software involved
- Apple’s iOS 18 update, released in late 2024
- Investigation status
- The CCPA escalated the matter to its investigation wing for a detailed investigation on July 29
- Complaints cited by Apple
- The CCPA case is based on 75 complaints, according to Apple
- Reported problems
- Colored screen lines, microphone and call failures, frozen screens, battery drain, touchscreen problems, camera issues and slower performance
- Estimated iPhone 15 screen cost
- About 27,900 rupees, or $291, according to regulatory documents
- Potential outcomes
- Fines, refunds or changes to Apple’s business practices, depending on the investigation
- Apple’s India market share
- About 9% in 2025, compared with 4% in 2022, according to Counterpoint Research
Sources
Apple iOS 18 under fire in India: CCPA probes software warranty after iPhone complaints, says report
Apple iPhone users may get relief as India escalates iOS 18 warranty probe
India Consumer Regulator Probes Apple Over iOS 18 Repair Costs
