Do Ola and Uber charge iPhone users more?

In the past two months, many iPhone users have shared screenshots on social media alleging that they were charged more on commercial platforms like cab-hailing apps Ola and Uber, or quick-commerce apps such as Zepto.

- Rakesh Kumar @New Delhi

They claimed that prices were inflated when bookings were made from iPhones, while Android users were shown lower charges for the same services. Following several complaints and screenshots, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued notices to Ola and Uber, seeking clarification on reports of alleged differential pricing based on the type of mobile device used for bookings. However, both companies have denied engaging in such practices, and the issue remains unresolved.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "As a follow-up to earlier observations of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/#Android), the Department of Consumer Affairs, through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their responses."

What is the issue?