iPhone 16 cannot be sold in this country due to unfulfilled investment promise | Tech Tips

The sale of iPhone 16 has reportedly been banned in Indonesia, following an order from the local government. This also applies to other Apple products released this fall like the Watch Series 10. The reason behind this move is that Apple failed to meet its investment commitments in the country. 

iPhone 16 banned in Indonesia

• The ban reportedly covers both the sale and operation of iPhone 16 models and extends to units that are already sold, according to a report by The Economic Times. 
• Minister Gumiwang Kartasasmita declared that any iPhone 16 sold within Indonesia is illegal and asked to report to authorities if any unit is seen operating.
• He also urged users against purchasing the device from abroad. “If there is an iPhone 16 that can operate in Indonesia, that means that I can say, the device is illegal. Do report it to us,” said Gumiwang.

• The reason for banning the iPhone 16 in Indonesia is Apple’s failure to fulfill its investment promise.
• The company reportedly pledged $109 million for investments in Indonesia’s infrastructure and local sourcing but only invested roughly $95 million.
• The company’s shortcoming of $14 million has prevented Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry from issuing the proper IMEI (international mobile equipment identity) certification.
• For those unversed, IMEI certification is required for the devices to be sold in the country.

“We, the Ministry of Industry, are yet to be able to issue permits for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that Apple must realise,” said the ministry.

For any company to operate within Indonesia, the government mandates that foreign companies meet a 40 percent local requirement. Apple had promised to set up research and development facilities within the country as a part of the investment.

Kartasasmita indicated earlier this month that Apple’s certification renewal was pending owing to incomplete investment requirements. To that extent, he said that the Apple iPhone 16 cannot be sold in Indonesia yet because the extension of the TKDN certification is pending.

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Jakarta earlier this year in April and met with President Joko Widodo to discuss the company’s possible expansion plans in Indonesia. Cook hinted that Apple would “look at” establishing local manufacturing facilities to support its operations within the country. But then again, no new agreements have been made and the authorities continue to await implications for Apple in Indonesia.

It remains to be seen what Apple is planning to do to resolve the iPhone 16 ban situation.

The post iPhone 16 cannot be sold in this country due to unfulfilled investment promise first appeared on 91mobiles.com.