India escalates Apple probe over alleged iOS 18 issues that incurred repair costs

India’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.

This probe is just one of several recent spats between Apple and Indian regulators, as the company is also fighting the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over an App Store antitrust case that could potentially result in a $38 billion fine.

Separately, Apple has repeatedly pushed back against Indian government orders requiring smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run app on devices sold in the country, while one of its major suppliers, Tata, recently faced scrutiny from local regulators over alleged wastewater contamination at an iPhone component plant.

To read Reuters‘ full report, follow this link.

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