India’s consumer watchdog, the CCPA, has launched a detailed probe into Apple following multiple complaints alleging that the iOS 18 update caused iPhone malfunctions and forced users into costly repairs. Apple has responded, maintaining its hardware warranty stance and denying widespread software issues in the Indian market.
- CCPA escalates investigation into iOS 18-related complaints.
- Apple denies software warranty claims, emphasizes hardware focus.
- Probe unfolds amid Apple’s expanding product launches and sales growth in India.
What happened
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in India has intensified its investigation into Apple concerning complaints about the iOS 18 software update. Users have reported that the update caused significant issues affecting iPhone functionality, which led to high repair costs. According to regulatory documents, the probe was escalated to the CCPA’s investigation wing in June 2026, signaling growing regulatory concern over the software-related user grievances in India.
Apple has responded to the investigation by stating that it primarily sells hardware and that software comes bundled with their devices. The company clarified that it does not offer a warranty on software, a stance consistent with global tech industry norms. Apple also mentioned it closely monitors feedback following software updates and has not detected notable issues or safety problems tied to iOS 18’s launch in India. It expressed willingness to work with local authorities to clarify user response data.
Why it matters
This probe marks a significant regulatory challenge for Apple as it confronts rising consumer and government scrutiny over its software practices in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets. The scrutiny comes over a year after the CCPA first issued notices following numerous complaints, indicating persistent consumer concerns. It also highlights the increased vigilance of Indian regulators over big tech companies, especially those with dominant market positions.
Apple is no stranger to regulatory battles in India; the company is already contesting a Competition Commission of India (CCI) finding that accused it of abusing its dominant position in the app store ecosystem. The combined legal pressures illustrate the complexities Apple faces in balancing its premium hardware strategy with evolving local regulatory expectations on software performance and consumer protection.
What to watch next
The progression of this detailed probe will be closely monitored by industry watchers, as it may influence how Apple and other tech companies approach software warranty and post-update consumer grievances in India and potentially other markets. Outcomes could lead to broader regulatory changes or enforcement actions impacting how software issues are managed after updates, especially given the growing role of software in device performance.
Meanwhile, Apple continues to expand its footprint in India through new product launches, including the recent iPhone 18 Pro series and the first foldable iPhone Duo, with strong local sales and manufacturing growth. The company has also started rolling out iOS 27 featuring advanced AI capabilities, though these are limited to premium models, potentially drawing further consumer attention to the tiered service experience. How Apple balances regulatory compliance, consumer satisfaction, and innovation in India will be critical to watch in the coming months.