India Rejects Claims of Demanding Apple’s iOS Source Code

The Indian government has strongly denied reports suggesting it requested access to Apple’s iOS source code as part of proposed new security regulations. This denial comes in response to a report by Reuters, which claimed that India was considering 83 new security requirements for smartphone manufacturers, including a controversial demand for companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google to provide their proprietary source code for government review.

The source code for iOS is critical to Apple’s security infrastructure. For Apple, the iOS source code represents its “crown jewels,” as it is essential for safeguarding user data across its devices. Sharing this code could expose vulnerabilities and create significant risks if it fell into the wrong hands. The implications of such a demand have raised alarms in the tech community and among privacy advocates.

Industry Reaction and Government Response

The technology industry responded swiftly to the allegations. The Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), which represents major smartphone manufacturers, stated that complying with such a request would be impossible due to existing global privacy policies and corporate confidentiality norms. In a decisive move, India’s Press Information Bureau issued a statement categorically denying the claims, asserting that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is not seeking to compel companies to share their source code.

Despite the government’s swift denial, the situation remains unclear. Reuters maintains that its report is based on confidential documents from both government and industry sources. This has led to speculation that the proposal may have been a “trial balloon,” a draft idea floated to gauge public reaction before a formal announcement.

Previous Demands and Future Implications

The Indian government has a history of making bold requests from tech companies. In early 2025, reports surfaced indicating that the government intended to mandate all devices to come pre-installed with state-backed applications. Similar to the current situation regarding the iOS source code, those discussions faced significant backlash, leading to a reconsideration of the proposals.

Officials argue that these security measures are designed to protect over a billion users who rely on smartphones for sensitive financial transactions. They contend that ensuring strong security protocols is essential to prevent foreign entities from exploiting vulnerabilities in the system. However, the question remains: what limits should be established in the name of national security?

Currently, the Indian government states it is in a “consultation phase,” promising to consider legitimate concerns from industry stakeholders. Although the extreme demand for source code appears to be off the table for now, other requirements—such as notifying the government before releasing significant software updates—could still be implemented in the near future.

As discussions continue, the balance between national security and user privacy in India remains a critical issue for both government officials and technology companies worldwide.