The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had ordered on July 19 that all Indian telecom operators will need to de-recognise smartphones devices that don't support the installation of the Do Not Disturb (DND) app by TRAI. iPhones have been identified as one such device.

The DND app by TRAI comes with features such as the flagging of telemarketing calls and messages. However, it requires access to the user's call logs as well as SMS, which is currently not possible with iPhones.

iPhones would soon have to support the download of the app or come pre-loaded with the app or face de-recognition on all operational networks.

Apple has always been very persistent in its efforts to prevent installation of apps that would compromise the privacy of their users.

Previously, in the San Bernardino shootings, Apple had been approached by the FBI to unlock the shooter's phone. The tech-giant refused to comply with US government orders and was later taken to court by the intelligence agency.