The Indian government has proposed that smartphone manufacturers pre-install government-developed apps, including access to its GOV.in app store, on devices sold in India. This initiative is aimed at expanding access to state digital services.
Key Details
- Apple’s Experience:
- Apple complied with a similar demand in Russia in 2021 by displaying a prompt during device setup for users to install government-approved apps.
- This was a rare deviation from Apple’s strict control over pre-installed software.
- Current Pushback:
- Both Apple and Google are resisting India’s proposal.
- Google, whose Android OS powers over 90% of India’s 700 million smartphones, is actively opposing the initiative.
Additional Requests
India is also seeking:
- Third-Party App Downloads: Government apps to be downloadable from outside official app stores without triggering security warnings.
- Policy Mandates: Legal measures to enforce compliance by smartphone manufacturers.
Strategic Context
India’s growing importance to Apple and Google adds complexity to the situation:
- Apple: India now accounts for over 14% of global iPhone production, a major increase driven by local manufacturing initiatives.
- Google: Plans for significant investments in smartphone assembly in India are underway.
The proposal reflects India’s broader push for regulatory control over global tech companies, mirroring similar moves by other nations.
Future Outlook
As India continues to assert regulatory influence, the ongoing discussions may reshape how global smartphone makers operate in the country. Balancing compliance with maintaining user trust and platform security will be a critical challenge for both Apple and Google.
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