Apple Resists Government Order to Pre-Install Sanchar Saathi App on iPhones

Apple has decided not to comply with the Indian government’s directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app on its smartphones, according to a Reuters report. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had ordered all mobile manufacturers to preload the app on devices sold in India.

Apple argues that the mandate raises privacy and security concerns and intends to engage with the government on the matter. The company noted that it has never pre-installed apps on its devices globally.

Government Directive and Compliance Timeline

Under the DoT order, Sanchar Saathi must appear on the device from the moment it is switched on, integrated into the first-time setup process. The app cannot be disabled, hidden, or restricted by users.

Manufacturers have been given 120 days to submit compliance reports. The government says the move aims to protect consumers from fake or tampered devices, but industry players fear operational and regulatory challenges.

Apple’s Position and Global Context

Apple maintains that pre-installing government apps conflicts with its privacy and security principles. The company plans to discuss these concerns with Indian authorities.

While Apple has never preloaded apps globally, it previously complied with a Russian law in 2021 by showing users a prompt to install government-approved apps during device setup. Industry executives warn that India’s directive could set a precedent for similar mandates in the future.

Impact on Industry and Exports

The requirement could disrupt mobile exports, as devices sold in India would need a different configuration from export units. Leading manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Google have no history of preloading government-developed apps.

The directive may create operational complexities and raise questions about user choice and data security. The move also bypassed consultation with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which oversees mobile devices under the Allocation of Business Rules.

Read More: Sanchar Saathi to Become Mandatory on All Phones.

Conclusion

Apple’s resistance to the Sanchar Saathi mandate highlights growing tensions between regulatory compliance and privacy standards. While the government aims to enhance consumer safety, industry concerns over security, operational impact, and global precedents remain unresolved.

Discussions between Apple and Indian authorities will be crucial in determining the next steps. The outcome could shape future policies on app pre-installation in India’s smartphone market.

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