Apple to sell iPhone 16 in Indonesia as ban lifts

Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 16 series will go on sale in Indonesia from April 11, ending a ban on sales in the country. The Indonesian government banned iPhone sales in October 2024 as Apple failed to meet the local requirement of 40% locally sourced parts in its products.

Following months of talks, Apple finally signed an agreement with the Indonesian government last month. The technology giant agreed to invest $150 million in Indonesia, which was a crucial factor in having the ban lifted.

Apple’s investment in Indonesia

Apple will construct two new plants in Indonesia, one in Bandung (West Java) to make accessories, and the other in Batam for AirTags. Apple has also committed to creating a semiconductor research and development facility in Indonesia, which the Industry Minister described as a "first of its kind in Asia."

The government had initially turned down Apple's $100 million offer in November, deeming it as unfair. The company, however, upped its investment to $150 million, which met the expectations of the government.

Indonesia also banned Google Pixel sales

Indonesia has strict rules requiring smartphones to have 40% local components. Due to this regulation, the government has also banned the sale of Google Pixel phones.

Despite the iPhone sales ban, the government allowed people to bring the devices into the country as long as they were not sold commercially.