Sanchar Saathi App Row: Apple Unlikely To Pre-Load Security App For Indian Users

Last Updated:December 02, 2025, 15:06 IST

Sanchar Saathi app from the Indian government helps people track their lost phones and prevent it from being misused.

Apple is likely to go against the govt order to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi app

Apple is unlikely to follow the Indian government orders to pre-load its devices with the cyber safety app Sanchar Saathi, as reported by Reuters quoting multiple sources from the US tech giant. The report even points out that Apple will be sharing its concerns regarding this app installation with the government. 

The big news comes after a government ruling has been issued which forces phone makers to pre-load their devices and update their older phones with the Sanchar Saathi app that has raised major privacy concerns among experts and users. 

The order asks brands like Apple, Samsung and OnePlus among others to pre-load the app within 90 days. The purpose of the app is to help people track their stolen phones, block them and thereby prevent the misuse of their device for nefarious use. 

Apple Raises Concerns Over Sanchar Saathi App: Know Why 

The order from the Indian government states that the cyber safety app being pre-loaded should be uninstallable and also cannot be disabled which has triggered user privacy concerns. Apple sources say the government will be informed about its views on privacy and does not plan to indulge in such practices anywhere in the world. 

The iPhone maker does not intend to take this case to court, but it is going to tell the government about its inability to follow the new order. Apple “can’t do this. Period," the source was quoted saying. 

Other brands like Samsung are looking into the order, while Google will probably also be taking a closer look at the fine print to decide on its next course of action. It is hardly surprising to see Apple share its privacy concerns, something it has done previously when the European Union (EU) regulators forced the company to adopt USB C for its devices and also allow sideloading of apps on iPhones. 

The narrative around pre-loading apps has been contentious for a long time, and when the terms of the order are stringent, companies are sure to adhere to the laws and look to make the best decision from all corners.

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