New Delhi: India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has escalated a probe into Apple over complaints that the iOS 18 update damaged iPhone displays and other functions, leaving users to pay steep repair bills under the company’s “no warranty” software terms.
Documents reviewed by Reuters show that on July 29 the regulator formally notified Apple that the matter had been moved to its investigation wing for a “detailed investigation.” The step indicates New Delhi was unsatisfied with Apple’s earlier replies and raises the possibility of penalties, refunds or ordered changes to business practices if violations are found.
The case stems from complaints after iOS 18 began rolling out in late 2024. Users reported green, pink or white lines on screens, microphone failures and other malfunctions. The CCPA says affected customers then had to pay “exorbitant amounts” for display replacements and repairs even though the problems were allegedly linked to Apple’s own software upgrade. Servicing an iPhone 15 screen is estimated at ₹27,900 (about $291), more than a third of the handset’s retail price in some cases.
Apple’s software licence agreements state that iOS is provided “without warranty of any kind,” so users generally bear repair costs if software proves defective. Hardware remains covered by a limited warranty. The regulator has accused the company of violating the rights of “consumers as a class” and of unfair trade by charging people for issues it says arose from Apple’s negligence.
Apple has rejected the allegations. In an August response it said iOS 18 underwent stringent testing, that it found no systemic issues or safety concerns in India, and that the CCPA case rests on only 75 complaints. By June 2026 only about 11 per cent of iPhones in the country were still running iOS 18. The company argues that a no-warranty clause for software is standard industry practice and that users are informed of the terms before installation. Treating every software fault as a warranty breach, it said, would turn software makers into insurers against all technological risk.
The probe comes as Apple rapidly expands manufacturing and sales in India, one of its most important growth markets. Consumer advocates have welcomed the escalation and called for class-action relief, while lawyers note that forcing changes to standard software-licence terms would be unusual even if the regulator finds fault.
The CCPA has not publicly commented. Apple has said it will work with authorities to provide clarity on how it handled customer complaints after the update. No final findings or directions have been issued.