New Delhi: The ongoing debate over the central government’s directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all new smartphones has intensified, with reports suggesting that Apple may resist compliance. Sources close to the tech giant indicate that Apple intends to formally communicate its concerns to the Indian government, citing potential conflicts with its global policies and ecosystem.
The government’s directive, which targets major smartphone makers including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, mandates that all new devices sold in India must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed within 90 days. The app, developed to help track, block, and prevent the misuse of stolen mobile devices, has been positioned as a tool to strengthen cybersecurity for Indian citizens.
However, Apple reportedly views the requirement as incompatible with its iOS ecosystem, warning that pre-installing government-mandated apps could compromise user privacy and device security. Sources suggest that Apple’s strategy is to highlight that similar mandates do not exist in other countries where it operates, effectively framing the issue as a global policy concern rather than a localized technical challenge.
Industry insiders note that the directive is not a straightforward technical matter. Integrating a pre-installed app in Apple devices involves deeper system-level changes, which Apple claims could lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities and conflicts with its tightly controlled ecosystem. Despite widespread attention, the company has yet to issue an official public statement on the matter.
Responding to the controversy, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that users will have the option to uninstall the Sanchar Saathi app if they choose. He emphasized that the government’s directive is intended to protect consumers and enhance cybersecurity, framing the app as a proactive measure against phone theft and cyber fraud.
As discussions between Apple and government authorities are expected to continue, the situation underscores the broader tension between regulatory mandates and global technology policies, raising questions about user privacy, device security, and the future of mandatory government apps in India’s smartphone market.