After a six-month halt, Apple has officially resumed sales of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia. The government lifted its ban on April 11, 2025, allowing all iPhone 16 models—including the iPhone 16e—to appear once again on Apple’s Indonesian website.
The ban, which began in October 2024, stemmed from Apple’s failure to meet Indonesia’s local content requirement. That rule mandates that at least 35% of a product’s components or services must be locally sourced or developed. Apple initially missed this mark and fell short of previous investment promises.
A Complicated Road to Approval
Apple pledged to invest $109.6 million in Indonesia but only delivered $94.5 million. Later offers, including $10 million for developer training and even a $1 billion investment for AirTag production, failed to satisfy the government’s demands.
Though Apple and the Indonesian government never confirmed the final terms, national news agency Antara reported that Apple may have finally reached the content quota—possibly through its plans to locally produce AirTags.
Senior Vice President Greg Joswiak marked the occasion on Twitter, writing, “So excited that our customers in Indonesia can now experience the iPhone 16 lineup—available today!”
No Mention of the Ban on Apple’s Site
While Apple quietly reinstated the iPhone 16 lineup on its local site, it made no public reference to the previous ban. Shoppers can now purchase the latest iPhone models just like users in other markets.
However, the situation highlights the growing tension between global tech firms and local trade regulations. As countries demand more domestic investment, companies like Apple may need to adjust their supply chains and manufacturing strategies accordingly.
A Win for Indonesian Consumers
With the ban lifted, Indonesian consumers can now access the full iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16e for the first time. Though the details of the settlement remain unclear, the result is a welcome development for Apple users in the region.
