Apple faces heat in India over iPhone performance issues

Users reported frequent call failures, lagging software, and concerns about iPhone battery performance, all of which allegedly began after the iOS 18+ update

Apple has come under fire in India after the Centre issued a legal notice to the Cupertino-based tech giant in response to multiple consumer complaints regarding iPhone performance issues following the iOS 18+ update. The notice was issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and announced by Pralhad Joshi, the Minister of Consumer Affairs, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Consumer grievances and survey insights

The government’s move followed numerous Apple consumer complaints registered on the National Consumer Helpline, primarily centered on smartphone performance issues. Users reported frequent call failures, lagging software, and concerns about iPhone battery performance, all of which allegedly began after the iPhone software updates. Minister Joshi stated, “The department, after examining these grievances, has issued a legal notice to Apple through the CCPA, seeking their response.”

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A survey by LocalCircles added weight to these claims, showing that 60% of iPhone users experienced performance disruptions, with call failures emerging as the most significant problem. Interestingly, nearly 90% of respondents directly linked their difficulties to iPhone software updates, while ruling out external factors such as network or Wi-Fi issues. Additionally, battery life complaints featured prominently, with many users reporting reduced Apple battery life after the update.

History of security issues and updates

This isn’t the first time Apple has faced scrutiny in India. Last year, the government issued a high-risk warning after vulnerabilities were discovered in Apple’s operating systems. These issues, which affected iPhones, iPads, and other devices, raised concerns about potential security breaches and further contributed to worries about smartphone performance.

Apple has since released updates, such as iOS 18.0.1 and 18.2.1, aimed at resolving software bugs, screen freezing, and improving iPhone battery performance. On its support page, Apple acknowledged the vulnerabilities but stated it does not disclose security concerns until investigations are complete.

The company also emphasized the importance of using genuine accessories to maintain device safety and battery life. Apple warned against counterfeit chargers and batteries, which could negatively impact both performance and safety.

As the CCPA awaits Apple’s response, this case underscores the growing demand for accountability and transparency from tech giants in addressing consumer concerns about performance and software reliability.

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