.png){kind=logo}
India’s CCPA escalated its warranty probe over alleged iOS 18-related iPhone problems. The regulator ordered a detailed investigation on July 29. The case follows complaints about display and microphone failures after the update. The investigation will examine whether Apple unfairly shifted repair costs onto consumers.
The CCPA began examining the matter after complaints linked iOS 18 with green, pink, and white screen lines. Some affected iPhone owners reportedly paid for display replacements and other repairs. The regulator said an iPhone 15 screen repair could cost around Rs. 27,900, amounting to more than one-third of the handset’s retail price.
The investigation will focus on the company’s software warranty terms rather than the update alone. Apple’s limited warranty covers hardware, while its software license excludes software defects. The CCPA will assess whether that exclusion remains fair when Apple’s update allegedly triggers device problems.
Apple disputed the allegations, saying iOS 18 has no systemic problems in India. The company also said it found no safety concerns linked to the software update. The tech giant argued that software warranty exclusions follow established industry practices across major electronics companies.
In an August response, Apple said the case involved only 75 complaints. The company also noted that around 11% of iPhones still ran iOS 18 by June 2026. It said users received information about the software terms before installing the update.
Apple also warned against treating every software fault as a warranty breach. The company argued such rules could turn software providers into insurers against technological risks. The CCPA, however, claimed that the complaints may involve consumer rights violations.
The investigation could bring document requests, hearings, and a final regulatory report. Apple could face financial penalties, refunds, or changes to its business practices if investigators establish violations. Changes to warranty terms could also create a significant consumer protection precedent.
The case carries added importance as Apple expands its Indian manufacturing footprint and market presence. The company’s iPhone share in India reached 9% last year, compared with 4% in 2022. The outcome could influence how software-related device failures receive warranty protection across India’s smartphone market.
Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Max Delivery Date Slips to October in India, US
