India's CCPA Investigates Apple Over iOS 18 Hardware Complaints

India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated a detailed investigation into alleged hardware problems affecting iPhones after the iOS 18 software update. The probe, launched on July 29, stems from consumer complaints received last year.

Consumers reported issues such as lines appearing on iPhone screens and microphone malfunctions following the iOS 18 rollout. The complaints allege that Apple denied warranty coverage for repairs, stating that the company's warranty only covers hardware defects and not issues arising from software upgrades.

The CCPA has notified Apple that charging consumers for problems allegedly caused by the company's own software update violates consumer rights and fair trade principles. The investigation specifically addresses reports of green, pink, and white lines on displays, as well as microphone failures, occurring after users installed iOS 18. The regulator described the repair costs demanded from consumers as 'exorbitant'.

These user-reported issues have surfaced on various online forums, detailing problems across different iPhone models. This investigation adds to Apple's existing legal challenges in India, where the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is already examining the company's App Store practices for alleged anti-competitive behavior.