The iPhone 16 series will officially be available in Indonesia on April 11 after being banned in October 2024.
After being banned for almost 5 months, Apple is now allowed to sell its latest iPhone 16 series in Indonesia. This includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 16e.
Apple was prohibited from selling its latest smartphones because the brand failed to meet the country’s required investment plans.
As part of the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) accreditation, Indonesia mandates that foreign businesses operate locally with 40% local content. Businesses can meet those needs by establishing R&D centers, producing goods locally, or creating software locally.
The incident sparked an extended negotiating process in which Apple steadily raised its financial pledges, with some reports reaching USD 1 billion.
Reports state that Apple has agreed to invest USD 300 million, rather than the USD 1 billion that was originally stated. It’s unclear if Apple negotiated a lower price or if the USD 300 million is a one-time sum that can rise in the years to come.
The Indonesian government demanded that Apple produce iPhones in the country to remove the ban, but it appears that request will not be fulfilled. As an alternative, Apple will establish a factory for Apple AirTag trackers and another for accessories. More R&D facilities and student academies in the area are also anticipated from Cupertino.
READ: Apple Reportedly Launching First Foldable iPhone in 2026
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