Flipkart iPhone 14 buyer awarded Rs 84,000 over battery drain issue

A recent case in Punjab has highlighted the responsibilities of major tech companies towards their customers, as a buyer of an iPhone 14 from Flipkart was awarded ₹84,000 due to a significant battery drain issue. The incident unfolded after the customer purchased the device during the Flipkart Big Billion Day sale, only to discover that the iPhone was plagued by a serious defect shortly after unboxing. The buyer, who spent ₹54,499 on the iPhone 14, was further incentivized by an exchange offer, which reduced the price by ₹6,300. Although the phone was delivered quickly, it arrived without the original Apple seal, raising initial concerns. During the unboxing, which was recorded with the delivery executive present, the customer noted that the battery began draining alarmingly fast. Upon contacting Flipkart’s support for a replacement, he was instead referred to an Apple-authorized service center, where the issue remained unresolved. Frustrated, the consumer took legal action by sending a notice and filing a complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Jalandhar. Apple claimed to have conducted tests that found no hardware defects, advising the customer to update the device's software instead. However, they failed to provide necessary documentation, such as a service report, to support their case. On June 11, 2026, the Jalandhar Consumer Commission ruled against Apple India, Flipkart, and the seller, deeming them jointly responsible for unfair trade practices. The commission stated that customers expect comprehensive support from all parties involved in the sale of a branded product. As a result, the companies were ordered to refund ₹54,846, pay ₹20,000 for mental distress, and cover ₹10,000 in legal costs.