India’s consumer regulator has escalated its scrutiny of Apple amid complaints that the iOS 18 update caused device faults and led to expensive repairs, highlighting growing regulatory challenges as Apple’s market presence expands in the country.
India’s consumer regulator has deepened its scrutiny of Apple over the iPhone maker’s software warranty terms, after complaints that the iOS 18 update caused screen and microphone faults and left customers facing steep repair bills, according to Reuters. The Central Consumer Protection Authority is now treating the matter as a detailed investigation, a step that suggests New Delhi was not satisfied with Apple’s earlier responses. Reuters reported that the complaint concerns alleged consumer-rights breaches and could expose Apple to fines, refunds or changes to its business practices.
The case matters because India has become a more important market for Apple. Counterpoint Research told Reuters that iPhones accounted for 9% of the Indian market last year, up from 4% in 2022, as Apple expands local manufacturing and gains share. That growth comes alongside wider pressure on the company in India, where it is also facing antitrust allegations.
Apple has rejected the complaints. In an August response seen by Reuters, the company said its policy of excluding software from warranty coverage follows global industry practice and that iOS 18 did not have systemic defects. The company also said users were informed of the terms before installing the software and argued that major electronics groups, including Sony and Samsung, use similar language. Reuters said Apple has pointed to the small number of complaints relative to its installed base, while the regulator says the case concerns consumers as a class.
The dispute has focused attention on the cost of repairs. Reuters reported that some users claimed green, pink or white lines appeared on their screens after upgrading to iOS 18, with an iPhone 15 display replacement estimated at 27,900 rupees, or about $291. Indian consumer lawyer Kirti Mahapatra told Reuters that investigators can ask for documents, hold hearings and, in principle, seek changes to terms they regard as unfair, although that would be unprecedented. Reuters also noted that similar software-update complaints have drawn regulatory action elsewhere, including Italy’s case against Apple in 2018.
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