India’s IT ministry has scrapped a proposal that would have forced Apple, Samsung and other handset makers to pre‑install the government‑run security tool Sanchar Saathi on every new device. The plan, unveiled late last year, framed the app as a lost‑phone recovery aid but raised alarms over mandatory tracking. Apple had already signaled it would not comply in the region.

The mandate would also have been pushed to existing iPhones via an iOS update, extending the requirement beyond new sales. Industry groups consistently opposed the six attempts over two years to embed state apps such as the Aadhaar App, citing privacy and security concerns. After a stakeholder consultation, officials said the Aadhaar App would not be forced onto smartphones.

With the requirement dropped, Sanchar Saathi remains available on the App Store for users who choose to install it voluntarily. The reversal spares Apple from a potential clash with India’s burgeoning smartphone market, where the company holds a sizable share. Regulators now face pressure to find less invasive ways to address phone‑theft without mandating intrusive software for consumers today immediately.