Now Reading: CCPA escalates probe into Apple’s iOS 18 warranty terms
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CCPA escalates probe into Apple’s iOS 18 warranty terms
Corrected 30 September 2026: formatting and attribution errors.
The Story in Brief
India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has escalated its investigation into Apple's software warranty terms after complaints that the iOS 18 update caused display and microphone issues, forcing users to pay up to Rs 27,900 for repairs. The regulator said charging consumers for problems allegedly caused by Apple's own software violates fair trade principles, and accused the company of violating the rights of 'consumers as a class'.
Apple has contested the probe, arguing that excluding software from warranty is a global industry standard and that iOS 18 had no systemic issues. It noted that the case is based on only 75 complaints and that just 11% of iPhones still ran iOS 18 by June 2026. The CCPA ordered a detailed investigation on July 29, raising the possibility of fines, refunds, or changes to Apple's business practices if the company is found guilty.
Legal experts say the CCPA can seek changes to warranty terms, though that would be unprecedented. The investigation covers complaints of green, pink, or white lines on screens and microphone malfunctions after the iOS 18 rollout in late 2024. Apple has said it will cooperate with authorities.
Indian Opinion Analysis
All five sources largely rely on the same Reuters copy, producing uniform straight reporting. The Economic Times and ET Telecom lead with the regulator's accusation of 'exorbitant' repair costs and 'negligence', while India Today's two reports carry Apple's rejection of the allegations, one of them its argument that excluding software from warranty cover is a global industry practice. Deccan Chronicle carries the same Reuters account, including the July 29 escalation. The coverage lacks independent reporting: no source verifies the number of complaints or examines Apple's testing claims. The key figure to watch is whether the CCPA's final report orders unprecedented changes to warranty terms for software updates.
Corrected 30 September 2026: formatting and attribution errors.
Coverage: 5 sources, 5 neutral
Sources (5): economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report), indiatoday.in (neutral report), telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report), indiatoday.in (2) (neutral report), deccanchronicle.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 5 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 5 sources.
