Apple’s new iPhone 16 cannot sell in Indonesia: Here’s why
The Indonesian government has blocked American multinational corporation and technology company Apple from selling its latest product, the iPhone 16 in the country.
The Ministry of Industry said Apple’s Indonesia branch, PT Apple Indonesia, has failed to meet its investment pledges.
The country is required to fulfil a 40% local content requirement for smartphones and tablets. This includes investing 1.7 trillion rupiah (US$108 million) in Indonesia to receive a license for local sales.
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwant Kartasasmita confirmed that Apple has invested an estimated 1.5 trillion rupiah (US$95 million) out of the total amount so far.
All local sales of the product which was released in September 2024 will be on hold until the company fulfills the local content requirements.
The ban does not affect older versions of the iPhone which will remain available in Indonesia.
The government has also made provision to allow users of iPhone 16 who are visiting Indonesia from different countries. Each traveller can bring up to two iPhone 16s for personal use, local reports say.
Data from the ministry shows about 9,000 iPhone 16 units entered the country as personal belongings from August to October, with taxes paid.
Meanwhile, competitors Samsung and Xiaomi have set up factories in Indonesia to meet the local content rules introduced in 2017.
iPhone has since assured its customers of its commitment to “bring all of our latest products, including the iPhone 16 line-up, to our customers as soon as possible”.
