Sources exclusively revealed to Reuters that India plans to force smartphone makers to allow removal of pre-installed apps and mandate screening of major operating system updates under proposed new security rules. The plan for new rules, details of which have not been previously reported, could extend launch timelines in the world’s No.2 smartphone market and lead to losses in business from pre-installed apps for players including Samsung (005930.KS), Xiaomi (1810.HK), Vivo, and Apple (AAPL.O).
