Apple may say no to preloading government Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones sold in India: Report

Apple is planning to resist the government's directive to preload a Sanchar Saathi, a Department of Telecommunications’ cyber safety application on the iPhones sold in India, three sources told Reuters, citing privacy and security concerns with the unprecedented mandate. The iPhone maker plans to convey its concerns to New Delhi, asserting it does not follow such mandates anywhere globally due to issues within its iOS ecosystem, according to two industry sources familiar with Apple's strategy. "It's not only like taking a sledgehammer, this is like a double-barrel gun," one source said. The Indian government has ordered manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to preload the Sanchar Saathi app—designed to track and block stolen phones—within 90 days. The November 28 directive also requires companies to ensure the app remains functional and cannot be disabled, with manufacturers asked to push updates to existing devices.Facing questions about the mandate, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified Tuesday that the app is "voluntary and democratic," saying users can activate or delete it anytime. However, he did not address the directive's requirement that manufacturers prevent the app from being disabled or restricted.India's telecom ministry defended the measure as necessary to combat cyber crime, citing problems with duplicated IMEI numbers and a thriving second-hand device market where stolen phones are resold.Apple tightly controls its App Store and proprietary iOS system—crucial to its $100 billion annual services business—making compliance particularly challenging. "Apple can't do this. Period," a second source told Reuters, adding the company won't take public legal action but will privately inform the government of security vulnerabilities.In contrast, Android manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi have greater flexibility to modify their software. Samsung is reviewing the order, Reuters reported, though the company has not commented publicly. Sources indicated the government moved forward with the directive without consulting the industry.