Apple has decided not to follow the Indian government’s order to preload the state-owned Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones. The app is designed to track stolen phones and prevent their misuse. Three industry sources told Reuters Apple will inform New Delhi that such a mandate raises serious privacy and security issues within its iOS system. India’s telecom ministry quietly ordered smartphone makers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to install the app on all new devices within 90 days. They also want the app to be non-disableable. For devices already in supply, manufacturers must push the app via software updates. The ministry called this a necessary security step to fight cyber threats, especially with India’s huge smartphone base of 730 million users. But critics, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and privacy experts, labeled the app as a government spying tool. Congress leaders called for scrapping the rule. In response, India’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said users can activate the app voluntarily and delete it anytime. This contradicts the confidential order which demands the app be preloaded and active without user removal. Apple’s sources stressed it does not follow such preloading laws anywhere due to its strict privacy policies. One source said, “It’s not only like taking a sledgehammer, this is like a double-barrel gun.” Apple does not plan to go public or file lawsuits but will explain its refusal based on security risks. Other smartphone companies like Samsung are still reviewing the order. The government issued the directive without prior consultation with the industry. This move coincides with India’s broader push to regulate phone security amid rising cybercrime and fraud linked to stolen devices and fake IMEI numbers. The Sanchar Saathi app aims to track and block stolen phones to reduce such crimes. However, Apple’s stand signals a tough battle ahead between privacy and government control in India’s tech landscape.