US tech giant Apple may comply with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s Do not Disturb (DND) app in its upcoming version of iOS (iOS 12), which is expected to be launched next month.

Apple had earlier said it had no intention to do so. However, the telecom regulator stood firm that if Apple has to sell iPhones in India, it would have to comply with the existing norms.

“We hope to see that the app works in the latest version of iOS that is expected in the coming months. If it happens, it will be good for the consumers, as they can avoid unwanted SMSes or calls in the future,” a government official told BusinessLine .

The official said the DND app can be downloaded onto Apple smartphones, but users cannot complain about the unsolicited calls or SMSes through the same app. However, if Apple allows it in the upcoming versions, a consumer can register complaints against unwanted calls or SMSes and block them.

Asked about the status of TRAI’s request on the DND app, TRAI Chairman RS Sharma said, “I don’t have to respond to a particular company issue. TRAI is working with companies on these issues and resolving them. It’s not un-surmountable.” Sharma said that it is not necessary that a phone maker adhere to TRAI’s DND app. But a consumer should get a tool to register complains against unsolicited commercial communication (UCC).

“We are essentially saying that the smartphone users should be enabled to complain about UCC. It is not necessary that TRAI’s DND app is allowed. Any operating system can develop their own application to enable the complaint,” he added.

Meanwhile, the regulator launched DND 2.0 and MyCall apps with a Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance platform.

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