Aadhaar App May Come Preloaded on Smartphones; Apple, Samsung Oppose Move

A plan to pre-install the Aadhaar app on every new smartphone sold in India is facing strong resistance from global device makers, setting up a fresh tussle between the Government of India and the tech industry.

Under the proposal, the Aadhaar app would come preloaded on devices much like basic tools such as a clock or calculator, eliminating the need for users to download it separately. Officials believe this could significantly expand access to digital identity services, allowing millions to manage Aadhaar details, update records and use verification features more easily.

However, companies including Apple, Samsung and Google have pushed back against the idea. Industry representatives argue that making the app mandatory could raise concerns around user privacy, data security and device-level control.

The proposal was first shared with manufacturers earlier this year through the Unique Identification Authority of India and the IT Ministry. The Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology, which represents major device brands, warned that such a requirement may force companies to create separate production setups for India, increasing costs and complicating supply chains. In its response, MAIT reportedly said the move may not deliver significant public benefit.

At the heart of the debate is the growing role of Aadhaar in everyday services. With over 1.3 billion users, the system is widely used for identity verification across banking, telecom and travel. The Aadhaar app, launched this year, adds features like biometric locking and digital profile management, which the government sees as key to expanding secure access.

Yet, concerns linger due to past instances of data leaks and misuse, making privacy a central issue in the discussion. As the government pushes for wider adoption through pre-installation, companies continue to argue for user choice, turning the Aadhaar app into the latest flashpoint in India's digital policy landscape.