TL;DR
Apple and industry peers are resisting large parts of an 83-item security proposal from India that reportedly includes a demand to hand over smartphone source code. Government and industry accounts conflict: Reuters cites documents and sources describing the proposal, while India's IT ministry has denied that it is seeking source code.
What happened
Reports say the Indian government circulated a package of 83 proposed security requirements for smartphone makers that would, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters, require manufacturers to provide proprietary operating-system source code to government-designated labs for vulnerability review. Industry group MAIT — which represents Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi — has pushed back, telling regulators that handing over source code is impractical because of corporate confidentiality and global privacy commitments. MAIT also objected to provisions that would require companies to notify the government before major updates or security patches, arguing that such a requirement could slow patch deployment. The IT ministry has disputed the characterization that it is seeking source code, while the government describes the list as proposals under consultation. Reuters cited multiple sources and government paperwork in its reporting; Apple has historically refused similar demands in other jurisdictions, according to the reporting.
Why it matters
- Disclosing proprietary source code could create new attack vectors if the code is exposed outside the company.
- Requirements to pre-notify authorities about updates could delay security patches, potentially leaving devices vulnerable.
- A decision here could shape how technology companies balance national-security requests against corporate secrecy and global privacy obligations.
- Conflicting accounts between Reuters and the IT ministry raise uncertainty over what rules, if any, will be finalized.
Key facts
- Indian officials reportedly proposed 83 security requirements for smartphone makers.
- One reported requirement asks manufacturers to provide proprietary operating-system source code for review by government-designated labs.
- Reuters based its report on four sources and a review of government documents.
- MAIT — an industry group representing Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi — told the government that handing over source code is “not possible” due to corporate confidentiality and global privacy policies.
- MAIT also objected to a proposal that companies inform the government ahead of major software updates or security patches.
- The IT ministry said it “refutes the statement” that it is considering seeking source code from smartphone makers, creating some public confusion.
- The government described the 83 items as proposals currently under consultation with tech companies.
- The reporting notes Apple has previously refused source-code requests or backdoors in other national contexts.
What to watch next
- Whether the Indian government moves from proposal to formal regulation and, if so, what specifics are included.
- How MAIT and its member companies proceed in consultations and whether they escalate objections or accept compromises.
- not confirmed in the source: Whether India will publish a final timeline or enforcement mechanism for any adopted rules.
Quick glossary
- Source code: Human-readable instructions written by developers that define how software operates.
- MAIT: An industry association representing multiple technology companies; in this reporting it is identified as speaking for Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi.
- IT ministry: A government department responsible for information technology policy and regulation (term used here for India’s relevant authority).
- Security patch: A software update intended to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Reader FAQ
Is Apple required to hand over iOS source code to India?
not confirmed in the source.
Why would the government want source code?
According to the reported government document, the intent is to allow review by designated labs to identify vulnerabilities in phone operating systems.
Has the Indian government officially confirmed the source-code demand?
The IT ministry said it “refutes the statement” that it is considering seeking source code; the government describes the items as proposals under consultation.
Are other companies in agreement with Apple?
MAIT, representing Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi, has told the government that providing proprietary source code is not possible due to confidentiality and global privacy policies.
Rumor Replay: iPhone Fold’s crease-free display, and more Ryan Christoffel Jan 8 2026 AAPL COMPANY IOS SECURITY IOS 26 INDIA Apple fights massive government overreach as India demands iOS source…
Sources
- Apple fights massive government overreach as India demands iOS source code
- India wants iOS source code, and they're not going to get it
- Exclusive: India proposes forcing smartphone makers to …
- Apple, Samsung push back as India seeks smartphone …
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