Overview
- The Central Consumer Protection Authority elevated its review to a 'detailed investigation' that formally notifies Apple and gives investigators powers to demand documents and summon testimony, a step the regulator took on July 29.
- The probe responds to complaints that the late‑2024 iOS 18 rollout caused screen faults and microphone failures, including reports of green, pink or white lines appearing on displays after updates.
- The CCPA says affected users were charged large repair bills for faults traced to the update, citing estimated screen repair costs of about Rs 27,900 for an iPhone 15 and calling the charges an unfair trade practice.
- Apple contests the case, telling investigators in an August reply that iOS 18 showed no systemic issues, that only about 75 formal complaints form the basis of the probe, and that its software license states software is provided without warranty as is common in the industry.
- Consumer survey group LocalCircles is supplying rising complaint data to the CCPA and is seeking class‑style remedies, while regulators could, if violations are found, order refunds, fines or changes to consumer disclosures and practices; prior cases such as Italy's 2018 action over an iOS update show similar regulatory paths.