Apple banned from selling iPhone 16 in Indonesia
Apple remains unable to sell its iPhone 16 in Indonesia despite reaching an agreement to build a local production facility in the Southeast Asian nation.
Last year, Indonesia prohibited the sale of Apple’s latest smartphones because the company failed to comply with local regulations requiring that at least 35% of components in phones sold in the country be manufactured domestically.
Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesia's Minister of Industry, revealed that Apple had agreed to produce its Airtag device on Batam Island, located south of Singapore. However, this production will not count toward meeting the local component requirement for iPhones.
"There is no basis for the ministry to issue a local content certification as a way for Apple to have the permission to sell iPhone 16 because (the facility) has no direct relations," he said.
Production is expected to begin in 2026, with the American investment projected to bring 1 billion dollar to the Indonesian economy.
(QG - Source: Reuters / Picture: © Unsplash)