Apple is in the dock after glitchy iPhone software update

New Delhi: India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Apple over alleged performance issues in some iPhone models after a software update, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday .

He said the CCPA, which reports to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has also issued notices to ride-hailing aggregators Ola and Uber after they received complaints about differential pricing to consumers based on phone models.

The complaints were lodged through the National Consumer Helpline.

Joshi said in a social media post: “After reviewing the consumer’s complaint, the department has issued a notice to Apple through the CCPA seeking a response to this matter.”

The regulatory scrutiny adds to growing scrutiny Apple faces in India, a key market for smartphone makers.

The CCPA notices to Ola and Uber came after complaints that fares for the same destination varied on different smartphones, raising concerns about unfair pricing practices.

The consumer protection agency has asked Ola and Uber to clarify how they set fares and whether smartphone models affect the fare structure.

“As a follow-up to the clear differential pricing observed earlier on the basis of different models of mobile phones, iPhone/Android, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs through CCPA has issued notices to major cab aggregators Ola and Uber seeking their response,” Joshi said said his social media post.

Restore consumer confidence

This is not the first time the Department of Consumer Affairs has taken action against technology companies. CCPA’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring fair and transparent business practices and protecting consumers from exploitation.

The notices to Apple, Ola and Uber are part of a broader push by the Indian government to regulate the operations of digital and tech platforms. The CCPA is designed to address consumer grievances, ensure businesses adhere to fair practices, and increase consumer confidence in the digital economy.

The consumer watchdog has penalized electric vehicle manufacturers, training centres, travel booking platforms, online marketplaces, consumer durables manufacturers, influencers and celebrities for misleading or misleading consumers.

Recently, the CCPA issued a show-cause notice to Ola Electric for infringement of consumer rights following reports of poor after-sales service and defective products. When the e-scooter maker said it had successfully resolved more than 99% of consumer complaints, the CCPA dismissed the charges and launched a class action lawsuit.