Indonesia has granted telecommunications permits for five models of Apple’s iPhone 16, marking a step toward lifting the sales ban, the communications
Indonesia has granted telecommunications permits for five models of Apple’s iPhone 16, marking a step toward lifting the sales ban, the communications ministry announced on Friday.
This approval follows the issuance of local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16, just a week prior. However, Apple still requires an import permit from the trade ministry before it can officially sell the devices in Indonesia, according to the industry ministry.
The country, home to approximately 280 million people, had previously banned iPhone 16 sales due to Apple's failure to meet local content requirements. Analysts have warned that such regulations could discourage investors and raise concerns about protectionism.
The newly approved telecommunications permit cover the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This development comes after Apple announced over $300 million in investments in Indonesia last month, including new component manufacturing plants and a research and development center. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment. Dwi Handoko, a senior official at the communications ministry, confirmed that the five permits were issued based on Apple's request.
