India demands Apple preinstall government security app onto iPhones

India is continuing to pressure Apple into preloading locally sold iPhone units with state-backed apps, something Apple has been keen to resist.

Mumbai, India

India’s Ministry of Communications issued a directive on November 28, ordering Apple and other smartphone producers to preload an app onto new iPhones sold in the country. The order, affecting Apple as well as Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, will require a state-owned cyber security app to be preinstalled and be unable to be removed at all.

The order, first reported by Reuters, requires Apple and others to have the Sanchar Saathi app preinstalled on new mobile devices within 90 days. The order applies to both manufactured iPhones and those still being produced, with India demanding it be installed by software updates as well.

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