iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus – Sales Suspension Persists in Indonesia
The Indonesian authorities have recently approved many of the necessary certifications to lift the sales blockade on Apple’s iPhone 16 series, but full resumption of sales remains pending.
As reported by various news outlets at the close of February 2025, a resolution has been reached between Apple and the Indonesian government. However, immediate availability of the iPhone 16 is not forthcoming.
According to sources like Reuters, Apple has now obtained local content certificates—a critical hurdle—necessary for selling its products in Indonesia. This is linked to stringent regulations that mandate that between 35% and 40% of a device’s parts must be sourced or produced within Indonesia.
Despite this development, it is unclear if Apple has begun relocating any manufacturing efforts to Indonesia as potential conversations seem ongoing. Previously, Apple received an exemption due to its substantial investments in local development projects—investments that appear to be increasing further.
Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, a spokesperson from the Indonesian Ministry, acknowledged that negotiations with Apple proved “challenging.”
Regardless of how much manufacturing will occur locally versus investment commitments, it’s noteworthy that Apple has secured local content certificates for a total of twenty products. This includes eleven different models of iPhones alongside nine models from their iPad line-up—the iPhone 16 included among them.
Nevertheless, before opening up sales channels again, Apple still needs additional permissions from both Indonesia’s trade ministry and communications/digital affairs ministry.
The timeframe for these approvals remains uncertain and there have been no official statements regarding their likelihood from either Apple’s representatives or Indonesian officials at this point.
Since October 2024—the month following the launch—sales on the highly anticipated iPhone 16 have been halted for five months due to concerns over Apple’s previous investment promises which were deemed insufficient by Indonesian authorities. Initially proposed was a modest commitment amounting only to $10 million which was turned down outright by governmental bodies.
In response to negotiations dragging on over several months, Apple increased its investment proposal first up to $100 million before escalating it dramatically again—to $1 billion ultimately offered as part of their negotiation strategy.
This final offer was met with acceptance but concurrently labeled as inadequate since it predominantly focused on AirTag manufacturing rather than core components relevant for assembling new versions such as the iPhones themselves within local facilities.
To date there are no indications this stance will change despite prior commitments made by Tim Cook regarding exploring manufacturing opportunities inside Indonesia prior even commencing regulatory conflicts affecting product sales prospects.
