Indonesia bans iPhone 16, declares its use 'illegal' over Apple's unfulfilled 'commitments'

The selling, purchasing and use of iPhone 16 has been banned in Indonesia. Industry minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has announced that any of the Apple iPhone’s latest model operating in the country is illegal and warned consumers not to buy the device from overseas.

iPhone 16 was launched globally on September 20 but Indonesia has banned it along with other latest Apple products including the iPhone 16 Pro lineup and Apple Watch Series 10.  

“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,” Kartasasmita said.  

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The minister also said that no International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification has been issued for the device.

Why iPhone 16 use, selling banned in Indonesia

Kartasasmita said that the permits for the iPhone 16 have not been issued as there are still commitments that Apple must realise.

As per reports, Apple has not fulfilled investment commitments in Indonesia. The tech giant has promised to invest 1.71 trillion rupiah in Indonesia, but so far has just put 1.48 trillion rupiah ($95 million), leaving a shortfall of 230 billion rupiah ($14.75 million).

The Ministry of Industry, earlier this month, announced “Apple’s iPhone 16 cannot be sold in Indonesia yet because the extension of the TKDN certification is still pending, awaiting further investment realisation from Apple."

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For the TKDN certification in Indonesia, companies need to meet 40 per cent local content value requirements to sell their products in the country.

The certification process is directly associated with Apple’s commitment to establish research and development facilities, known as Apple Academies, in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of Indonesia’s Industry Ministry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, confirmed that the TKDN certification application for iPhone 16 is under review but remains contingent on Apple fulfilling its investment commitments.

With inputs from agencies.