India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched a detailed investigation into Apple following a surge of complaints from iPhone users regarding alleged device malfunctions after installing the iOS 18 update. The primary issues reported include screen display and microphone failures.
Consumer Complaints Prompt Regulatory Scrutiny
The CCPA began its inquiry after receiving numerous complaints, specifically noting the iOS 18 rollout in late 2024. Affected users claim their iPhones experienced screen and microphone problems shortly after the software update. A key point of contention is Apple's software license agreement, which states that its software comes "without warranty of any kind," placing the responsibility for repair costs on the user. This policy has reportedly led many consumers to pay for repairs out-of-pocket, even for issues they attribute directly to the software update.
On July 29, 2026, the CCPA formally informed Apple of its detailed investigation, expressing dissatisfaction with the tech giant's previous responses. Regulators suspect potential violations of consumer rights and are scrutinizing Apple's software warranty terms and repair cost policies related to software updates.
Apple Denies Widespread Issues Amidst Cooperation
In response to the allegations, Apple has denied claims of any widespread problems that could have caused the reported issues. The company stated that iOS 18 underwent thorough testing before its release. Apple also highlighted that the complaints under investigation are based on a relatively small number of consumers—75 in India—and noted that by June 2026, only about 11% of iPhones were still running iOS 18, with the majority having migrated to newer software versions.
Apple maintains that its approach of not providing a warranty for software is a common global practice within the industry. Despite denying widespread issues, the company has pledged to cooperate with Indian authorities and provide all relevant information regarding how it has handled customer complaints. If found in violation of consumer protection laws, Apple could face significant financial penalties.