India has instructed major smartphone manufacturers to preload all new devices with a government-owned cyber security app that cannot be removed, a move that is expected to trigger strong resistance from Apple and privacy advocates. According to a private order issued by the telecom ministry on Nov. 28, companies including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi have been given 90 days to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi app is permanently installed on all new handsets sold in the country. Devices already in the supply chain must receive the app through software updates.
India, one of the world’s largest mobile markets with more than 1.2 billion subscribers, launched Sanchar Saathi in January to combat telecom-related cybercrime. The app allows users to verify IMEI numbers, report suspicious calls, and block stolen devices. Government data shows the platform has already helped recover more than 700,000 lost phones — including 50,000 in a single month — and has aided in blocking over 3.7 million stolen or lost devices while terminating 30 million fraudulent connections.
The ministry, in its confidential order, argues that mandatory installation is essential to address the “serious endangerment” posed by spoofed or duplicated IMEI numbers, which are frequently used in scams and illegal network activities.
But the requirement puts Apple in a difficult spot. The company strictly prohibits pre-installation of government or third-party apps on new iPhones, and it previously clashed with Indian regulators over an anti-spam app. Analysts say Apple has historically refused similar demands and may instead try to negotiate an alternative, such as prompting users to install the app voluntarily.
“Apple has always taken a hard line on these requests,” said Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint Research, noting the company may seek a compromise rather than complying outright. Apple currently accounts for roughly 4.5 per cent of India’s 735 million smartphones, with the vast majority running Android.
Neither the telecom ministry nor major smartphone manufacturers responded to requests for comment.
While the government maintains that the app strengthens cyber security and helps police track stolen devices, critics warn that forcing an undeletable government app onto consumers raises privacy, transparency, and data security concerns in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.
With compliance required within three months, a major showdown between India and global smartphone giants — especially Apple — now appears increasingly likely.