iPhone 16 to Launch in Indonesia on April 11 After Statewide Ban Lifted

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced the official release date of its iPhone 16 lineup in Indonesia, after the country lifted a ban on its sale following Apple's more than $300 million investment plan. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e will launch in the Indonesian market on April 11.

The announcement indicates that the iPhone 16 series has passed the Indonesian telecommunications equipment certification – the final hurdle in the approvals process. Previously, the iPhone 16 models also obtained the local component content (TKDN) certification issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Industry, with a standard rate of 40%, exceeding the current minimum requirement of 35%.

Indonesia blocked iPhone 16 sales in October after determining that Apple had not met the country's 40% domestic content requirement for smartphones.

Beyond the monetary investment, Apple has reportedly committed to training local talent in research and development, so that Indonesians can develop software and design their own products. The pledge addresses one of the government's key demands for Apple to establish R&D facilities in the country.

The agreement also includes plans for a manufacturing plant on Batam island that will produce AirTags, Apple's device tracking accessories. This facility will be operated by Apple supplier Luxshare Precision Industry, and is expected to eventually account for 20% of global AirTag production.

Another manufacturing facility is planned for Bandung, about three hours from Jakarta, which will produce other types of accessories. Part of the investment will also fund Apple academies to equip Indonesian students with tech skills like coding.

Despite the substantial concessions, recent reports indicate that Apple has no immediate plans to manufacture iPhones in Indonesia. That means Apple remains the only brand in the country allowed to sell imported smartphones without local manufacturing. In contrast, other manufacturers must comply with TKDN regulations by producing devices locally or contributing through software development.

Article Link: iPhone 16 to Launch in Indonesia on April 11 After Statewide Ban Lifted

 

[Yrmmont]

$300 million shakedown paid by Apple!

 

[Kiwamu]

$300 million shakedown paid by Apple!

Just shows how lucrative Apple views the Indonesian market, that they believe this is a valid move for Apple.

 

[Kottu]

Good, If you want to sell something in a country, try to create jobs there as well. Apple need to manufacture more products in USA too.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Just shows how lucrative Apple views the Indonesian market, that they believe this is a valid move for Apple.

This is what I was thinking. Apple of all companies does not spend a dime they don't have to. If they spent that money and aren't even manufacturing there, they must believe they will make it back and fairly quickly.

 

[John_Blackthorne]

Good. Continue building out infrastructure throughout the world

 

[John_Blackthorne]

This is what I was thinking. Apple of all companies does not spend a dime they don't have to. If they spent that money and aren't even manufacturing there, they must believe they will make it back and fairly quickly.

They’re going to make more money selling phones than what they spend in investments long term.

 

[John_Blackthorne]

Good, If you want to sell something in a country, try to create jobs there as well. Apple need to manufacture more products in USA too.

It is analogous to what we are doing here. I have no issue with this, either.

 

[PowerButton]

All this while the rupiah falls to a near 27-year low. I’m not well-versed in Indonesia’s economics, but it doesn’t seem like the TKDN has been very effective.

 

[JohnRckr]

Imagine how long they will have to wait to experience the APPLE INTELLIGENCE

 

[Slash787]

Only if Governments put a rule that a new small phone needs to release every 3 years, I am sure Apply or other companies would make another mini!

 

[sw1tcher]

Good, If you want to sell something in a country, try to create jobs there as well. Apple need to manufacture more products in USA too.

Apple creates a lot of jobs in the U.S.

Maybe you missed it, but they're going to be investing more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next 4 years which will create a lot jobs.

Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

Apple today announced plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

www.apple.com

 

[Ronald Reagan]

Perhaps Indonesia can finally get Apple Pay now… wishful thinking?

 

[janwerbinski]

I'm using iPhone 16 Pro Max in Indonesia since December. No problems. Envy of jealous people - priceless. 😉

 

[beq]

I'm using iPhone 16 Pro Max in Indonesia since December. No problems. Envy of jealous people - priceless. 😉

Does Telkomsel support eSIM now? On my folks’ recent trip there I couldn’t figure out ahead of time how to set up a Telkomsel line as a secondary eSIM on their 16 Pro Maxes, while they continue to use their U.S. T-Mobile roaming lines as primary eSIM.

So I’d set up the old 13 Pro Max for them to use a physical Telkomsel SIM (the last model we have with a SIM slot). Then I started hearing about an Indonesian IMEI blocklist affecting various imported phones, but couldn’t get concise facts. Apparently it’s something you could possibly resolve and pay a fee in person at a government office, not something a local telecom retailer can help you with?

 

[Swede1]

Does Telkomsel support eSIM now? On my folks’ recent trip there I couldn’t figure out ahead of time how to set up a Telkomsel line as a secondary eSIM on their 16 Pro Maxes, while they continue to use their U.S. T-Mobile roaming lines as primary eSIM.

So I’d set up the old 13 Pro Max for them to use a physical Telkomsel SIM (the last model we have with a SIM slot). Then I started hearing about an Indonesian IMEI blocklist affecting various imported phones, but couldn’t get concise facts. Apparently it’s something you could possibly resolve and pay a fee in person at a government office, not something a local telecom retailer can help you with?

Yes, Telkomsel supports eSIM, I have been using it now for over a year, if you plan to use your phone there for an extended period of time you need to register your imei and pay a “tax” based on the price of your device, it’s 40% on anything over $500, that has to be done as you first arrive in Indonesia, it’s located after the customs