India's CCPA Investigates Apple Over iOS 18 Warranty Terms

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched a detailed investigation into Apple Inc. regarding software warranty terms and alleged violations of consumer rights. The probe follows complaints that the iOS 18 update, released in late 2024, caused microphone malfunctions and screen display issues, including the appearance of colored lines.

Regulators allege that Apple violated consumer rights by requiring users to pay for repairs, with some iPhone 15 screen replacements costing over 27,900 rupees. The CCPA contends that Apple avoided these costs by using software license agreements that provide warranties only for hardware, not software.

Apple Inc. has contested the accusations, arguing that its no-warranty clause for software aligns with global industry standards used by other technology firms. The company maintains that iOS 18 underwent stringent testing and lacks systemic issues, noting that the investigation is based on only 75 complaints. If found guilty, Apple could face fines, mandatory refunds, or a forced change to its business practices in India.