The iPhone 16 series is selling around the globe, except for Indonesia, where the government has imposed a ban on the sale of the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 since last year. The government did so because Apple failed to comply with local investment requirements. However, if you live in the country and want to buy the latest iPhone, you might be in luck.
Indonesia could finally lift the ban on iPhone 16 sales
Apple previously offered to invest up to $1 billion for setting up factories for AirTags in the country. However, the government officials rejected the offer. They argued that AirTags are accessories, and not internal components or parts used in an iPhone.
Honestly, no one was entirely sure whether the Indonesian government would ever lift the ban on iPhone 16 sales. But, we now know that it might soon happen. The Indonesian government has reportedly agreed to accept Apple’s $1 billion investment offer.
Today, Bloomberg reported that sources familiar with the matter have said that Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with Apple as soon as this week. That’s the same ministry that upheld the ban in the country all this time.
The report also mentions that the concerned ministry will also hold a press briefing, where will issue a permit allowing the sale of the iPhone 16 series across Indonesia as soon as possible.
The agreed terms also require Apple to offer R&D training to locals
The agreement would also require Apple to commit to training locals in research and development on its products. Apple will also set up a plant in Batam to make AirTags now. Moreover, the tech giant has also paid a $10 million debt it owed to the Indonesian government for violations between 2020 to 2023. Now, it’ll be interesting to see when exactly the sale of the iPhone 16 series resumes in the country.