AllYouCanTech

India Confirms Users Have the Option to Remove Compulsory State-Owned ‘Security’ Application

In response to backlash against a requirement for phones in India to have a state-owned, non-removable app pre-installed, the government has now indicated that users may delete the app if they wish.

Nonetheless, this development is unlikely to alter Apple’s decision to ignore the order. Here are the specifics.

### India claims its ‘responsibility’ is to implement the app, but users can decide to uninstall it

Last week, the Indian government announced a mandate stipulating that smartphone manufacturers must pre-load a state-owned application called Sanchar Saathi. The Indian government has been advertising Sanchar Saathi as a security tool, providing features to report lost devices, block a phone’s unique IMEI number through service providers, and alert users to spam or scam calls.

Earlier today, Reuters disclosed that Apple would not adhere to the mandate:

> Apple, however, does not intend to follow the directive and will inform the government that it does not comply with such mandates globally due to significant privacy and security concerns for its iOS ecosystem, stated two industry sources knowledgeable about Apple’s issues. They requested anonymity as the company’s strategy is confidential.

One significant point of contention regarding the mandate was the obligatory nature of the app being non-removable, alongside being either pre-loaded on new devices or installed automatically through a software update.

Currently, the Indian government seems to have moderated its position on the non-removable aspect of the app, though it still appears to be insisting that manufacturers either pre-install or auto-install it.

This slight change is not expected to influence Apple’s position on the issue since it does not tackle the company’s additional worries about privacy and security.

This deadlock emerges at a moment when India is becoming increasingly vital to Apple’s operations, both as a manufacturing substitute for China and as a burgeoning consumer market, further complicating a recent conflict related to a possible $38B antitrust fine in the nation.

It remains uncertain whether this situation will prompt any action from the local government (or Apple) regarding the company’s domestic operations in the country.

Google, on the other hand, has not yet provided its input, as the company has not responded to numerous media requests for comments on the matter or to clarify whether it plans to comply or likewise reject the mandate.

Improvements in AirPods: A Manual for Making the Most of the Newest Capabilities

# Fresh Capabilities of AirPods: Upgrades from iOS 18 and iOS 26

Did you recently unwrap some brand new [AirPods 4](https://geni.us/hLKLXOf) or

Germany Evaluates Apple’s Suggested Remedies for App Tracking Transparency Antitrust Concerns

Apple’s suggested modifications to App Tracking Transparency, designed to tackle antitrust issues, are currently under scrutiny in Germany. Here are the specifics.

### Some background

Earlier this year, Germany’s Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office) concluded a three-year investigation, leading to antitrust allegations against Apple regarding the App Tracking Transparency Framework (ATTF).

According to the Office’s initial assessment, “the stringent criteria under the ATTF are applicable only to third-party app developers, not to Apple itself,” a claim that Apple contested:

> Apple has been a frontrunner in creating industry-leading technologies that offer users excellent features without sacrificing privacy. App Tracking Transparency empowers users with greater control over their privacy through a necessary, clear, and straightforward prompt about one issue: tracking. That prompt is uniform for all developers, including Apple, and we have garnered strong backing for this feature from consumers, privacy advocates, and data protection authorities globally.
> Additionally, Apple holds itself to a higher benchmark than it demands from any third-party developer by giving users a positive choice regarding whether they wish to see personalized advertisements at all. Moreover, Apple has structured services and features like Siri, Maps, FaceTime, and iMessage so that the company cannot connect data across those services even if it desired to do so.
> We firmly believe that users should have control over when their data is shared and with whom, and we will continue to engage constructively with the Federal Cartel Office to guarantee that users have transparency and control over their data.

A few months later, Apple indicated that “intense lobbying efforts in Germany, Italy, and other European nations may compel” the company to withdraw ATT, alluding to the idea that companies and media organizations have been working discreetly to undermine the ATT tool for their own advantage.

### Apple acts to mitigate antitrust issues

In spite of its objections, Apple has been proactive in addressing the antitrust concerns presented by the Bundeskartellamt.

As reported by *Reuters*, Apple has consented to make changes to the wording and formatting of the text shown to users on the ATT consent prompt, “while preserving essential user advantages.”

From the report:

> Apple agreed to implement neutral consent prompts for both its own services and third-party apps, and to largely synchronize the wording, content, and visual design of these notifications, stated Andreas Mundt, the head of Germany’s Bundeskartellamt.
> The company also suggested streamlining the consent process so developers can secure user permission for advertising-related data processing in a manner that complies with data protection laws.

Following Apple’s proposals, the Bundeskartellamt is now reportedly “seeking input from publishers, media organizations, and regulators to evaluate whether the new measures resolve competition issues.”

Based on this input, the Office will then formulate a final decision on whether Apple’s modifications alleviate the anticompetitive concerns.

Apple Escalates Humanitarian Efforts Following Devastating Storms in Asia

### Apple Takes Action Again: Aiding Relief Efforts in Asia

Following its commitment to aiding victims of the recent fire in Hong Kong, Apple CEO Tim Cook declared today that the company will further contribute to relief and reconstruction efforts across multiple Asian nations.

#### Severe Consequences of Recent Natural Calamities

Severe rainfall in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka has reportedly resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and affected millions. Flooding, landslides, intense winds, and other threats have led to widespread displacement, agricultural devastation, and the ruin of entire communities.

In light of these crises, Apple has vowed to support relief initiatives, pledging an undisclosed amount towards assistance and reconstruction projects.

#### Announcement from Tim Cook

Cook shared this news earlier today on X, mentioning, “Storms in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have ravaged communities. At Apple, we’re thinking of everyone impacted and will be contributing to relief and rebuilding efforts on the ground.”

This announcement follows a similar commitment made only days prior to assist relief efforts after the tragic housing complex fire in Hong Kong. Furthermore, it comes months after Apple also pledged support for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

#### Apple’s Continued Dedication to Charitable Efforts

Apple maintains a long-standing dedication to philanthropy, especially during times of crisis. The company runs an internal donation initiative known as Employee Giving, which has generated over $880 million thus far through a donation matching scheme. This program encourages employees to donate to various causes, enhancing their effect through Apple’s matching donations.

As Apple continues to engage with global emergencies, its actions illustrate a dedication to assisting communities in distress and nurturing resilience amid natural calamities.

Apple might resurrect a 2019 approach with the introduction of the iPhone 18.

Apple’s iPhone 18 introduction is shaping up to be quite a significant departure from the company’s usual strategy. A recent IDC report has confirmed that the smallest flagship iPhone collection since 2019 may be on the way. Here are the specifics.

### Anticipated smaller iPhone 18 lineup next fall by IDC and others

Today, IDC released its smartphone sales predictions for 2025, featuring a glimpse of what 2026 might hold.

Overall, it’s a positive report for Apple, highlighting robust iPhone 17 sales that are driving a Year-over-Year growth of 6.1%.

However, for the next year, IDC forecasts a 4.2% decrease in iPhone sales.

What’s behind the “negative” outlook? It stems from Apple’s anticipated shift in its iPhone 18 launch strategy.

According to the report:

> While the near-term outlook for smartphones has improved, growth for 2026 has been downgraded from 1.2% growth to a 0.9% decline, influenced by a mix of component shortages and adjustments in the product cycle. Apple’s planned transition of its next base iPhone model from fall 2026 to early 2027 is projected to reduce iOS shipments by 4.2% next year.

For over six months, we’ve been hearing that Apple intends to move the base iPhone 18 out of the flagship fall offering. It is set to debut in early 2027, in conjunction with the iPhone 18e.

Nevertheless, until recently, it was anticipated that there would still be four new iPhones introduced next fall: iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold.

However, when information surfaced that the development of the Air 2 was progressing slower than anticipated, speculation suggested that Apple might actually advance the iPhone 18 into the fall lineup.

Yet, no leaks have surfaced supporting that notion, and IDC’s report seems to further validate that there will be no alterations.

This implies that the iPhone 18 lineup next fall could be the smallest since 2019.

### The last time Apple released only three flagship iPhones was in 2019

In 2019, Apple launched three flagship iPhones: the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max.

Since then, four iPhones have been introduced each fall. Typically, this has included two Pro models along with two ‘standard’ versions, comprising the base model and either a smaller ‘mini’ or larger ‘Plus.’

This year, the iPhone Air replaced the Plus model—but four models still persisted.

Now, expectations suggest that only three flagship iPhones for 2026 are forthcoming:

– iPhone 18 Pro
– iPhone 18 Pro Max
– iPhone Fold/Ultra

Eliminating the base model clarifies why IDC anticipates an overall drop in iPhone shipments for next year. This is also why they foresee a resurgence in growth in 2027, coinciding with the launches of the base iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2.

What will be the market’s reaction to just three, premium-priced new iPhones next fall? It’s difficult to determine. Perhaps a greater number of users will choose the Pro models compared to usual, while others may lean towards the highly-priced foldable. IDC does predict an overall revenue increase in 2026 despite declining shipments.

Regardless, after years of relative stagnation in its offerings, Apple appears more than willing to embrace risks with the iPhone nowadays.

9to5Mac Daily: December 2, 2025 – Summary of Apple Music Replay and Latest Developments in Apple AI

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