Apple has reportedly decided not to comply with the Indian government’s mandate to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones. According to sources, the company plans to convey its concerns directly to India, citing privacy and security risks to its iOS ecosystem.
The standoff highlights a growing tension between India’s cybersecurity initiatives and global tech companies’ focus on user privacy. While the app aims to curb phone theft and misuse, Apple argues that forced installation could compromise its platform security.
What is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Saathi, meaning “Communication Partner,” is a government-backed app designed to track lost or stolen phones, block blacklisted devices, and prevent misuse. India’s telecom ministry has instructed all smartphone makers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to preload the app within 90 days.
Officials claim the app can prevent duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, a tactic used for scams and network abuse. The move also aims to monitor India’s growing second-hand mobile device market.
Why Apple is Resisting the Sanchar Saathi Mandate?
Apple told Indian authorities that preloading Sanchar Saathi could weaken iOS security. “It’s not only like taking a sledgehammer, but this is also like a double-barreled gun,” said a source familiar with Apple’s strategy.
Apple’s ecosystem is closed-source and tightly controlled. Any forced app installation could introduce vulnerabilities or privacy risks for users. The company plans to formally communicate these concerns to the Indian government.
Which Other Smartphone Brands Have Resisted This?
Other major brands like Samsung and Xiaomi are reviewing the mandate. While Samsung has not made an official statement, sources suggest they are assessing technical feasibility and regulatory implications.
Unlike Apple, Android-based devices allow more flexibility for preinstalled apps, which could make compliance easier for some manufacturers.
Why Preloading Sanchar Saathi Could Compromise iPhones?
Experts note that iOS is closed-source, and security protocols are critical to Apple’s $100-billion-a-year services business. Preloading government apps could open attack vectors, compromise encryption, or affect privacy compliance globally.
Apple’s resistance reflects the challenges of balancing national security measures with the integrity of proprietary software ecosystems.
Security Concerns for Sanchar Saathi in India
The Indian government says the app is crucial to improving cybersecurity, preventing phone scams, and blocking blacklisted devices. The telecom ministry described it as a “security measure” to protect users from serious cyber threats.
Apple is expected to formally present its concerns to Indian authorities. The standoff raises questions about how India will enforce the mandate while respecting global privacy standards. The resolution could influence smartphone regulations worldwide, especially for closed ecosystems like iOS.
FAQs
What if one does not install (or deletes) Sanchar Saathi?
If you remove or don’t use the app, you’re unlikely to face immediate enforcement or legal consequences — but you might miss out on protections the app offers (like IMEI‑checking, stolen‑phone blocking, fraud reporting).
Does Sanchar Saathi App Threaten Data Privacy?
There is a non-zero risk of privacy intrusion. Because the backend architecture, data‑retention policies, and oversight mechanisms are not publicly transparent, many questions remain unanswered.
Who Owns Sanchar Saathi? What is its parent company?
Sanchar Saathi is owned and operated by the Indian government — more precisely, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Where Can You Download the App?
Sanchar Saathi is already available for download on both Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store). It has so far crossed 10M+ downloads on the Play Store.
Can you Delete/Uninstall the Sanchar Saathi App?
the app’s installation may be mandatory for manufacturers, but using it — or retaining it — remains optional for end users.
What Permissions or Data does the App Ask For?
Public reporting suggests Sanchar Saathi has the potential to access or request significant permissions when installed. These may include: access to device IMEI database, ability to verify device authenticity, and the capacity to let users report suspicious phone usage, spam or fraudulent calls/SMS, which may imply permissions for call/SMS log or metadata.
