India's consumer watchdog deepens probe into Apple iOS 18 warranty practices

India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority has moved to a detailed investigation of Apple’s iOS 18 software licence, after receiving numerous complaints that the update damaged iPhone screens and microphones, leaving owners to pay high repair fees. Apple maintains that its software is sold without warranty, a practice it says aligns with global standards and that no widespread defects have been identified. The regulator highlighted that consumers were charged up to 27,900 rupees for screen replacements, a cost representing a significant portion of a device’s price.

Legal expert Kirti Mahapatra explained that the CCPA can compel Apple to provide accurate information and potentially amend its warranty terms, though such a step would be unprecedented. Apple’s response emphasized that the no-warranty clause is disclosed before installation and mirrors policies of other major electronics firms. The outcome could affect Apple’s growing Indian market, where its iPhone share rose to 9 percent last year.