The center said on Thursday that it is investigating the Tata Electronics data breach reported after sensitive information linked to Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models was exposed on the dark web.
Responding to questions on whether the government was investigating the incident as a cybercrime case, S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said: “We are conducting an investigation,” news agency ANI reported.
This development comes in the wake of a previous report by the news agency Reuters Files stolen from Tata Electronics by a ransomware group have revealed detailed supplier information, component lists and photographs of Apple’s yet-to-be-released iPhone 18 Pro.
iPhone supplier network ‘exposed’
According to the documents he reviewed Reuters According to a source familiar with the matter, the leaked files contain sensitive details about the components and suppliers involved in the production of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models from Apple.
The records reportedly include at least six files that identify many of the components used in the devices to the companies supplying them. These cover key parts such as the chips used in the main circuit board, battery components and camera modules.
In total, the documents are said to contain details of hundreds of parts expected to be used in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
The files also reportedly reveal that Apple sources a component from multiple suppliers and relies on only a few vendors, potentially revealing the company’s negotiating leverage and areas of weakness in the supply chain.
A threat to Apple’s closely guarded supply chain
The alleged hack threatens to expose one of Apple’s most closely guarded business operations, the complex global network of suppliers that manufacture iPhone components.
Industry observers cited by the news agency say such information could be valuable to competitors, counterfeiters and even suppliers looking for insight into Apple’s purchasing strategy.
This exposure could also strain relations between Apple and Tata Electronics. Recently, Tata Electronics has become an increasingly important partner for Apple as the company expands manufacturing outside of China. The Indian group supplies components and also assembles iPhones as a contract manufacturer.
Apple is widely expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in September.
The reported leak comes at a sensitive time for Apple. The company recently raised the prices of some iPad and MacBook models amid rising costs of memory chips and storage, while analysts indicated that iPhone prices may also rise in the coming months.
(with Reters input)
