Apple defended its software-warranty terms in a response to investigators on August 20, 2026, after India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) escalated the matter for a detailed investigation on July 29. The dispute concerns complaints about iPhone problems users associated with iOS 18 and whether software-related issues should leave customers responsible for repair costs.
What iPhone users reported after iOS 18
Users reported green, pink or white lines on iPhone displays and microphone problems after installing iOS 18, which Apple released in 2024. The complaints connect the symptoms to the update; they do not establish that the update caused them.
The investigation centers on warranty responsibility: the complaints allege that customers faced repair costs for problems they linked to the software. Apple defended excluding software-related problems from warranty coverage, saying that approach is consistent with industry practice.
Why the CCPA escalated the matter
On July 29, 2026, the CCPA referred the matter to its investigation wing for a detailed investigation. The regulator framed the concern as a possible consumer-rights issue affecting consumers as a class, rather than just the individual complainants.
Apple’s response and possible consequences
Apple said the case involved 75 complaints and that it found no systemic iOS 18 problem or safety concern in India. It also argued that requiring software providers to cover every software-related problem would make them insurers against technological risk.
If liability is established, possible consequences could include fines, refunds or changes to Apple’s business practices.
