Tech Desk 
Mar 27, 2025
An undated image of iPhone 16 series. — Apple
In a move to expand its presence in Indonesia, Apple announced on Wednesday that the iPhone 16 will be available in Indonesia from next month, indicating the removal of a sales ban.
The government of Southeast Asia’s largest economy blocked the sale of the latest iPhone series in October 2024 because of Apple’s failure to comply with local regulations requiring 40% of phone components to be sourced domestically.
“Today, Apple announces that all iPhone 16 series… will be available starting from Friday, April 11,” the iPhone maker said in a statement.
After months of negotiations, however, Apple reached an agreement with the government last month to invest in the country of 280 million people.
Indonesia initially rejected a $100 million investment proposal from Apple in November, citing a lack of required “fairness.” Apple later increased its commitment to $150 million, agreeing to establish two facilities—one in Bandung, West Java, to manufacture accessories, and another in Batam to produce AirTags.
Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesia's industry minister, also revealed that Apple plans to develop a one-of-a-kind semiconductor research and development centre in Indonesia, the first in Asia.
Despite easing the ban on iPhones, Indonesia is still blocking Google Pixel sales for failing to meet the same local component requirements.
