'Uber charging Rs 52 extra on iPhone over Android for same ride', says Entrepreneur, sparks debate

In a recent post on LinkedIn, an Indian entrepreneur sparked a lively discussion by claiming that Uber charged more for the same trip on an iPhone than on an Android device.

Screenshots shared by the entrepreneur showed a fare difference of about 52 rupees, with the Android trip costing Rs 290.79 and the iPhone trip costing Rs 342.47. 

The claims have prompted questions about whether ride-hailing platforms use device-based pricing to target different customers.

Nirali Parekh, founder of a design studio, posted the screenshots on her LinkedIn profile. She explained that a colleague booked two Uber rides at the same time and from the same location—one via an Android phone and the other via an iPhone.

Despite all else being equal, the iPhone fare was reportedly higher. Parekh did not accuse Uber of wrongdoing but labeled this a case of “design thinking in action,” noting it could be driven by data insights and user behavior.

According to Parekh, the situation highlights how ride-hailing and other mobile apps might leverage user profiles to optimize prices. She cited the perception that iPhone users might be viewed as “premium customers,” Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases, and dynamic pricing based on user behavior as three potential reasons for the fare discrepancy.

"Here’s the real question: When does personalisation improve user experience, and when does it start to feel exploitative? From a design thinking perspective, this approach is rooted in understanding user behaviour and adapting to it. For businesses, it’s smart—leveraging data to optimise value. For users, it’s complicated—does this pricing strategy enhance the experience, or does it break trust?" Parekh wrote.

Netizens reaction

Parekh’s screenshots generated hundreds of comments. Some technology professionals dismissed the possibility that Apple’s fees were responsible, since Apple does not usually charge ride-hailing apps the 30% fee for payments outside the iOS in-app purchase system.

Others hypothesized that two separate Uber accounts, each with its own history and promotions, may have influenced the pricing difference.

 On the other side, some users argued that companies often assume iPhone users are more likely to pay higher prices and could set fares accordingly. They pointed to examples in other industries where price discrimination or dynamic pricing is based on user data, loyalty, and perceived purchasing power.

"It's a game of wits and the power of 'inadvertently collected' data. Uber is doing the most for BI. I think that's awesome!" a user wrote. 

Uber's statement

Uber has released a statement on the overpricing allegations.

“Multiple differences in these two rides impact the prices. The pick-up point, ETA, and drop-off point on these requests vary, which will cause different fares. Uber does not personalise trip pricing based on a rider’s cell phone manufacturer,” the company said in the statement.