iPhone 16 to Launch in Indonesia as Ban is Lifted, Apple Announces

Apple has revealed that the iPhone 16 will officially launch in Indonesia next month. As a result of a $300 million USD (roughly $427 million CAD) investment plan, the Indonesian government has removed its ban on Apple’s devices.

Starting on April 11, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e will all become available in Indonesia, Apple announces. As the company states, the iPhone 16 series has now passed the Indonesian telecommunications equipment certification, rendering a positive approval, as reported by MacRumors.

In October 2024, Indonesia blocked the sales of the iPhone 16 series as it was determined that Apple had not met the 40% domestic content mandate for smartphones in the country. Following this, Apple has successfully achieved a local component content (TKDN) certification issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Industry.

Apple is also committing to training local research and development teams in Indonesia. The goal is to have Indonesians able to develop software and design their own products. The government aimed for Apple to establish an R&D presence in the country to facilitate this training.

Alongside the greenlit sales of the iPhone 16 series, Apple will also be establishing a manufacturing plant on Batam island. This plant will be used to manufacture AirTags. Luxshare Precision Industry, a common Apple supplier, will be leading the charge. The Batam island plant will be responsible for 20 percent of the output of AirTags. A second manufacturing plant will also be built in Bandung. This plant will be used to manufacture accessories for the company.

It’s believed that Apple has no plans to manufacture iPhones in Indonesia, currently. As it stands, Apple is the only brand in the country that is capable of selling imported smartphones without having local manufacturing.

The iPhone 16 series first launched in Canada in September of last year. However, the iPhone 16e followed months down the road. Apple launched the more affordable device, featuring Apple Intelligence, on February 19.