Apple Unlikely To Follow Govt’s Order To Preload Sanchar Saathi On iPhones: What We Know

Apple is reportedly preparing to push back against the government’s directive instructing smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices sold in India. According to a report, the company is not planning any legal move but will raise concerns around user privacy and device security with government officials. The development comes at a time when the Centre is trying to strengthen its digital identity and anti-fraud systems linked to mobile devices. Also Read: Govt Now Wants Sanchar Saathi App On Every Smartphone Sold In India: What It Means For Users

What the Government Wants

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently directed smartphone brands to ship new devices with the Sanchar Saathi app already installed. It has asked phone makers to make sure the app shows up during the initial setup and works as intended. Brands have 90 days to add the app to new devices and 120 days to file a compliance report. DoT has also asked brands to push the app to existing devices through over-the-air updates. Also Read: Apple Adds iPhone SE (1st Gen) And iPad Pro 12.9-Inch To Its Vintage Product List

What the Sanchar Saathi App Does

Sanchar Saathi is part of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CIER) framework and was introduced earlier this year. It includes features such as tracking lost or stolen smartphones, checking the number of mobile connections linked to a user’s identity, and reporting connections that do not belong to them. The app also includes the Chakshu portal, which lets users flag suspicious calls, SMS messages, or WhatsApp texts that may be part of a scam. Also Read: iPhone 17 Could Get A Price Hike In India Soon; Here’s What We Know So Far

Why the Directive Is Being Questioned

After the order was announced, there were immediate questions about whether users would be forced to keep the app on their phones. The government later clarified that Sanchar Saathi is optional and can be uninstalled like any other app. Officials also said the app does not have the capability to monitor calls or access a user’s personal data, and is aimed at reducing cyber fraud cases.

Apple’s Position

A Reuters report states that Apple does not intend to follow the directive, citing sources familiar with the matter. The company is expected to inform the government that it does not comply with similar preinstallation requirements in other regions. Apple will reportedly highlight potential risks to its controlled iOS ecosystem and the privacy model it follows. While the company is not planning to challenge the order in court, it is likely to convey that it cannot preload the Sanchar Saathi app on its devices.