Apple to resist India order to preload state-run Sanchar Saathi app as political outcry builds

Key Highlights

• India's telecom ministry ordered smartphone manufacturers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app within 90 days.
• The app is designed to track stolen phones and prevent their misuse.
• Apple plans to defy the directive due to concerns over privacy and digital surveillance.
• The order also requires manufacturers to ensure the app cannot be disabled and to push updates for devices in the supply chain.
• Similar mandates are not followed by Apple in other countries, raising issues for its iOS ecosystem.