Apple iOS 18 Probe
India Regulator Probes Apple Over iOS 18 Warranty and Repair Costs
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Key Points
1
The complaints specifically include green, pink or white lines appearing on iPhone screens after users installed iOS 18, which the regulator is assessing as a possible unfair trade practice.
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The estimated cost of replacing a damaged iPhone 15 display is 27,900 Indian rupees (about $291), or more than one-third of the phone’s retail price.
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India’s regulator described the matter in its notice to Apple as involving “alleged violations of consumer rights,” underscoring that the probe extends beyond a dispute over warranty wording.
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The investigation echoes action taken by Italy in 2018, when authorities sanctioned Apple for failing to warn consumers that the iOS 10 update could affect older iPhone performance and for not supporting phones outside their legal warranty.
India's consumer regulator has opened a formal investigation into Apple over warranty practices tied to the iOS 18 software update, following complaints that the upgrade caused iPhone display, microphone, and other failures—leaving some users stuck paying for repairs Hindustan Times. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is examining whether Apple's exclusion of software from its warranty violates consumer protection law, with possible consequences ranging from fines to refunds and forced business changes MacDailyNews.
The case puts Apple under fresh pressure as it expands manufacturing and market presence in India. A replacement display for an iPhone 15 costs 27,900 Indian rupees—about $291, or more than one-third the phone's retail price Newsytes. Apple disputes the allegations, arguing that software exclusions follow global industry standards and that it found no systemic iOS 18 problems in India Electronic for You.
Display and Microphone Failures Spark Consumer Complaints
iPhone users in India reported that the iOS 18 update triggered multiple device failures. Green, pink, or white lines appeared on screens. Microphone problems emerged. Other functionality broke. The CCPA is treating these complaints as possible unfair trade practices Economic Times. The regulator's formal notice to Apple references "alleged violations of consumer rights," showing the probe goes beyond simple warranty wording disputes.
Apple's Warranty Excludes Software Damage Costs
Apple excludes software from its standard hardware warranty. When iOS 18 caused screen damage, users had no warranty protection. They faced full replacement costs: 27,900 rupees for an iPhone 15 display. That equals more than one-third of the phone's original price Newsytes. The CCPA is investigating whether this exclusion unfairly shifts repair costs to consumers who installed Apple's own update.
Apple Defends Global Warranty Standards
Apple argues that software exclusions are standard practice worldwide. The company says it found no systemic iOS 18 problems or safety risks affecting Indian customers Electronic for You. Apple's position: excluding software aligns with how the entire tech industry handles updates. The company views the CCPA investigation as questioning normal industry practice.
Italy Set Precedent for Apple Software Accountability
This case echoes Italy's 2018 action against Apple. Italian authorities sanctioned the company for failing to warn users that the iOS 10 update could slow older iPhones. Italy also fined Apple for not supporting devices outside legal warranty periods MacDailyNews. That precedent suggests regulators globally are tightening scrutiny of how tech companies handle software updates and warranty language. India's CCPA may follow a similar enforcement path.
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