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Government plan to preload Aadhaar app on phones faces industry pushback

A proposal by the Indian government to have the Aadhaar app pre-installed on smartphones has met resistance from major technology companies, highlighting ongoing tensions between policymakers and the mobile industry.

The idea, discussed earlier this year, involved engaging companies such as Apple, Samsung and Google to explore pre-installing a new version of the Aadhaar app on devices sold in India. The proposal was not mandatory but was raised for consideration through official channels.

Industry opposition has been led in part by the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), which represents leading smartphone makers. According to internal communications, companies expressed concerns that preloading government apps could increase production complexity and costs, while also affecting device performance and user experience.

Concerns over security, costs and user choice

Sources within the industry indicated that Apple and Samsung, in particular, raised questions around safety and data security implications. The Aadhaar system, which assigns a unique 12-digit identity number linked to biometric data, is widely used across banking, telecom and public services in India. However, it has also faced scrutiny from privacy advocates over past data security concerns.

Companies argued that mandatory or encouraged pre-installation could require manufacturers to create separate production lines for India-specific devices, complicating global supply chains. Industry representatives also maintained that such measures may not necessarily deliver significant public benefit, while limiting user choice over which apps they wish to install.

Government push for accessibility

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which oversees Aadhaar, is said to have supported the idea as a way to improve accessibility. Preloading the app could allow users to access services—such as updating personal details, managing family profiles, and securing biometric data—without needing to download it separately.

The debate also reflects a broader pattern of friction over government-backed app installations. A similar proposal involving a telecom security application had earlier drawn criticism before being withdrawn.

Digital rights groups have also voiced concerns, warning that such moves could signal increased state influence over smartphone ecosystems. It remains unclear whether the Aadhaar app pre-installation proposal will be pursued further or revised following industry feedback.