Many users have previously observed that Uber fares vary when booking the same ride from different devices, like Android and iOS. Recently, a man experienced a similar issue and brought it to light on social media, sparking a lively discussion on X.
In his viral post, he revealed, “Same pickup location, same destination, same time—but the fares differ on two phones. I’ve realized that my Uber app consistently shows higher rates compared to my daughter’s phone. Because of this, I often ask her to book my rides. Has this happened to you too? What’s the secret to avoiding this?”
The post resonated with many users, prompting a flurry of reactions and debates about fare inconsistencies on the platform.
The post quickly gained traction, racking up over 697,000 views and sparking countless reactions. One user commented, “That’s true. Uber tends to charge more than Ola, and it uses dynamic pricing. This means that if you book a cab at a certain fare and encounter unexpected traffic—which isn’t your fault—you’ll still end up paying more when the final bill arrives. Ola doesn’t follow this practice.”
This comment echoed the sentiments of many, fueling the ongoing debate about fare transparency and pricing policies in ride-hailing apps.
One user pointed out, “Studies suggest that Uber, along with other apps, tends to charge higher fares for iPhone users than for Android users. Another user commented, “Apps can detect whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android, and companies often adjust their prices based on the type of device you’re using!”
A user noted, “Studies have shown that Uber and other apps typically charge more for iPhone users than for Android users.” Another user added, “These apps can tell what device you’re using and adjust the fare accordingly.”
One person shared, “Studies show that Uber and similar apps often charge more for iPhone users than Android users.” Another added, “The app can tell if you’re using iOS or Android and frequently adjusts the fare based on that.”
A user commented, “Some research suggests Uber and other apps tend to charge higher prices for iPhone users compared to Android users.” Another explained, “These apps can detect your device type and usually change the fare accordingly.”
These observations added fuel to the discussion, as users debated the fairness of such pricing practices by ride-hailing platforms.
Last week, Niraali Parekh, Founder and Creative Director of Bokaap Designs, brought up a similar concern in a social media post. Parekh mentioned that a colleague tried booking the same Uber ride on two different devices—an Android and an iPhone—using identical pick-up and drop-off locations. To their surprise, the fares were noticeably different.
In the past, Zepto, the quick-commerce platform, faced similar accusations of charging iPhone users higher prices. Many customers took to social media to highlight the issue, sharing screenshots that revealed noticeable price differences on the app.
