Uber has clarified that it does not determine ride fares based on the type of phone a user possesses, following allegations from an Indian governmental agency that both Uber and rival Ola engage in differential pricing between Android and Apple devices.
On Thursday, India’s Minister of Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, announced via X that the Central Consumer Protection Agency (CCPA) had issued notices to the two companies regarding the claims of unfair pricing practices.
An Uber representative informed Reuters, “We do not set prices based on a rider’s phone manufacturer. We look forward to working with the Central Consumer Protection Authority to clear up any misunderstanding.”
Numerous reports from local media and complaints on social media platforms indicated that users of iPhones were being charged higher fares for identical rides compared to those using Android devices.
Joshi has expressed intent to instruct the CCPA to investigate differential pricing tactics in additional sectors, including food delivery services and online ticketing platforms.
As of now, Ola, Google, and Apple have not issued responses to requests for comment from Reuters.
Uber is currently engaged in intense competition with SoftBank-backed Ola, the rival service Rapido, and BluSmart, an all-electric ride-hailing app, in India, which ranks among its largest markets outside North America.
Recently, Joshi condemned differential pricing as an “unfair trade practice” that shows a “blatant disregard” for consumer rights.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
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