India Orders Preloaded Cybersecurity App on Smartphones, Impacting Apple, Samsung, and Other Brands

New Government Order May Challenge Apple and Privacy Advocates

India’s telecom ministry has instructed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-owned cyber security app on all new devices, with no option for users to delete it. The private order, seen by Reuters, is likely to raise concerns among Apple and privacy-focused groups.

A Strategic Move in the World’s Largest Mobile Market

With over 1.2 billion mobile users, India is one of the largest smartphone markets globally. The Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January 2025, has helped recover more than 700,000 lost or stolen phones, including 50,000 devices in October alone.

This directive impacts leading brands such as:

• Apple

• Samsung

• Vivo

• Oppo

• Xiaomi

Government’s 90-Day Compliance Requirement

The November 28 order mandates smartphone companies to ensure all new devices come with the Sanchar Saathi app preloaded within 90 days.

For devices already in the supply chain, the app must be installed via software updates. Users will not have the option to disable the app. The order, while not publicly released, was shared privately with select manufacturers.

Purpose of the Cybersecurity App

The government emphasizes that the app is crucial to protect India’s telecom network from:

• Duplicate or fake IMEI numbers

• Phone scams

• Unauthorized network access

Officials said the move is necessary to prevent serious threats to telecom cybersecurity.

Apple’s Likely Response

Apple’s iOS devices, which make up roughly 4.5% of India’s 735 million smartphones, typically do not allow pre-installed third-party or government apps.

Industry analysts suggest Apple may seek a compromise, possibly by prompting users to install the app voluntarily, instead of mandatory preloading.

Features of the Sanchar Saathi App

The app helps users:

• Report suspicious calls

• Verify their device’s IMEI number

• Block stolen or lost phones using a central registry

Impact so far:

• Over 5 million downloads

• 3.7 million stolen or lost devices blocked

• 30 million fraudulent connections terminated

Government Highlights Cybersecurity Benefits

According to officials, the app strengthens India’s digital safety by:

• Preventing mobile-based fraud

• Assisting police investigations

• Blocking counterfeit devices

• Ensuring safer telecom networks

The Sanchar Saathi app is positioned as a critical tool for cyber protection, safeguarding both consumers and the telecom ecosystem.