Indian consumer regulator escalates probe into Apple's software warranty terms: report

The Indian consumer watchdog has ramped up its probe into Apple over claims that the iOS 18 software update damaged iPhones and forced users to pay for costly repairs, according to a Reuters report. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is conducting a detailed investigation into Apple's warranty practices for the latest operating system.

Earlier this year, the CCPA received numerous complaints alleging that iOS 18 caused screen display and microphone malfunctions in affected iPhones, leaving users to bear the repair costs. The regulator formally notified Apple on July 29 that the matter would undergo a thorough investigation, suggesting the company's previous explanations were insufficient.

In its response to the CCPA's probe, Apple argued that its policy of not offering software warranties is common in the industry and that users are informed of this before installation. The company also claimed its rigorous testing of iOS 18 and the limited number of iPhones still running the new software (around 11 percent by June 2026) cast doubt on the validity of the regulator's claims.

The investigation is focused on complaints of visual display issues, such as green, pink, or white lines appearing on iPhone screens after the iOS 18 update. The CCPA asserts that these issues led to users paying exorbitant amounts for screen replacements and associated repairs, which they argue stem from Apple's software problem rather than user error. Repairs for cracked or damaged iPhone screens typically cost around Rs. 27,900 (about $291), which is more than a third of the average iPhone price.