Apple is reportedly planning to resist a recent order from the Indian government that would require all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-backed cybersecurity application on devices sold in the country. If Apple proceeds with its expected response, iPhone users in India will not receive the mandatory "Sanchar Saathi" app on new devices, at least for now.
The Indian government's directive, issued by the Department of Telecommunications, instructs smartphone makers to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi app during manufacturing within 90 days. The app is designed to help users track and block stolen phones, report fraudulent calls, verify second-hand phones, and prevent misuse in scams and other crimes. The government claims the app has already helped recover over 700,000 devices since its launch in January.
Apple is expected to communicate to Indian officials that it cannot comply with the order because pre-installing government-mandated applications raises significant security and privacy concerns. Sources familiar with Apple's position report the company will emphasize that it does not pre-install state-mandated apps in any country, and doing so would introduce potential vulnerabilities into the iOS ecosystem. One source stated, "Apple 'can't do this. Period'".
The mandate extends beyond Apple, applying to other major brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. These companies are also reportedly reviewing their options, as the order was allegedly issued without consulting the telecom industry. Unlike Apple, Android manufacturers may have more flexibility in modifying their software.
The Indian government has defended the order as a necessary security measure to combat cybercrime and address the resale of stolen or blacklisted devices in India's large second-hand mobile market. The Department of Telecommunications has expressed concerns that mobile handsets with duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers pose a "serious endangerment" to telecom cybersecurity.
The directive also stipulates that the Sanchar Saathi app cannot be disabled or removed by users once installed. However, India's telecom minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, has stated that the app is "completely optional" and can be easily deleted. This statement contradicts the original directive, creating confusion regarding the app's removability.
The Indian government's mandate has faced criticism from political opponents and privacy advocates, who argue that it could enable government surveillance of India's 730 million smartphone users. The main opposition party has even deemed the mandate unconstitutional. Apple is reportedly not planning to take legal action or make a public stand against the order but will communicate its security concerns privately to the government.
