India’s CCPA probes Apple over iOS 18 complaints and software warranty terms

India’s consumer-protection regulator is investigating Apple following complaints that iOS 18 updates caused device issues and costly repair demands, Mint reports. The inquiry could result in penalties, refunds or changes to Apple’s warranty and after-sales service practices in a key growth market.

— Source publishedTue, 15 Sept, 2026, 23:31 IST·First seen Tue, 15 Sept, 2026, 23:35 IST·Source Mint · Companies

What happened

India's CCPA is investigating Apple's iOS 18-related consumer complaints and software warranty terms after users alleged costly repairs for post-update device

Key facts

  • 75 complaints underpin the CCPA investigation
  • Estimated iPhone 15 screen replacement cost: ₹27,900
  • iPhone held about 9% of India's smartphone market in 2025, versus 4% in 2022
  • January 2025 LocalCircles survey: 31,000+ consumers; 60% of upgraded users reported multiple problems
  • Latest LocalCircles survey: 47,000+ responses across 274 districts; 66% of iPhone 12-14 users reported difficulties
  • Apple said about 11% of iPhones were running iOS 18 by June 2026

Why this matters

For strategic buyers and partners, the case underscores the value of India-based after-sales service, diagnostics and consumer-compliance capabilities as device makers face tougher accountability for software-linked hardware issues.

What to watch

  • Whether CCPA issues a formal notice, names specific iPhone models or iOS 18 versions, or refers the matter to the Central Consumer Protection Authority for enforcement.
  • Evidence that complaints involve a common defect pattern, such as battery degradation, display failures, boot issues or loss of functionality after updating.
  • Any interim Apple repair program, revised warranty wording, expanded AppleCare availability or service-price adjustment in India.
  • The size of any requested refund pool, penalty, corrective advertising requirement or mandatory changes to after-sales practices.
  • Whether consumer groups or courts broaden the issue into a class-style claim or a wider right-to-repair challenge.
  • Apple is likely to submit a technical defense distinguishing software defects from hardware failures, while reviewing complaint handling by authorized service providers.
  • Apple may introduce case-by-case goodwill repairs, trade-in credits or temporary service campaigns for affected devices before any formal order.
  • CCPA may request service-center invoices, warranty-language versions, update-release documentation and evidence of consumer notifications.
  • Apple’s India retail and carrier partners may receive tighter escalation procedures to prevent complaints from reaching regulators.
  • Competing smartphone brands may market longer support windows, lower repair costs and more transparent software-update commitments.