GoKawiilIndia’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has reportedly escalated its probe into whether Apple should be held responsible for an iOS 18 update that allegedly caused display and microphone issues on some iPhones. Here are the details.
Apple faces yet another probe in India
As reported by Reuters, Apple is facing renewed regulatory scrutiny over the iOS 18 update, from 2024.
According to the country’s CCPA, the update allegedly “led to screen display and microphone malfunctions among other issues, forcing customers to pay for related repairs, as no warranty is provided on software,” says Reuters.
Apple has denied the allegations, while also stressing that not offering a warranty for software issues is standard industry practice. Still, the CCPA is unconvinced and has recently escalated the matter to its investigation wing for a more detailed probe.
Here’s Reuters:
If found guilty, Apple may have to pay fines but more importantly could be forced to issue refunds or make changes to its business practices.
Reuters says the investigation covers complaints from users who reported green, pink, or white lines appearing on their iPhone displays after installing iOS 18.
Apple, meanwhile, says the case is based on just 75 complaints and that it found no systemic issues or safety concerns with iOS 18 in India. Apple further argues that requiring every software-related problem to be covered by warranty “would effectively convert any software provider into an insurer against all technological risk.”
The CCPA, however, argues that the issue goes beyond the number of individual complaints, accusing Apple of violating the rights of “consumers as a class.” The regulator also says that charging customers for repairs due to problems allegedly caused by Apple’s own software could amount to an unfair trade practice.
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