An Indian government body has sent notices to ride-hailing firms Ola and Uber over alleged differential pricing for Android and Apple phones, the country's consumer affairs minister, Pralhad Joshi, said in a post on X on Thursday.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued notices to major cab aggregators Ola and Uber over speculation of differential pricing, i.e., customers are quoted different taxi fares based on the make of the mobile phone - iPhone or Android - used.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has issued notices to Ola and Uber over allegations of charging consumers differently based on their mobile devices and battery levels. A viral post by a Delhi entrepreneur sparked claims of "differential pricing,

Uber said it does not set ride prices based on a user's phone model, shortly after an Indian government body alleged that the ride-hailing giant and its domestic rival Ola use differential pricing for Android and Apple phones.

Prahlad Joshi, while replying to a news report about Uber and Ola's differential pricing for iPhone and Android phones, had said there was "zero tolerance for consumer exploitation".

The government has issued a notice to Ola and Uber after numerous posts on social media went viral, showing different prices on various smartphones. The government has sought details on factors influencing these prices.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi stepped in, directing the CCPA to investigate Ola, Uber, and Rapido for alleged "unfair trade practices" and a "blatant disregard" for consumer rights to transparency.

The national consumer-rights regulator has issued notices to Apple Inc for performance issues on some iPhones as well as asked ride-hailing firms, Ola and Uber, to explain alleged differential pricing on Android and iOS devices.