Indonesia: iPhone-16 ban is finally lifted

Finally, it felt like an infinite story: Apple has finally been able to agree in the conflict about production locations and investments with the Indonesian government. This is reported by the Bloomberg business news agency. Apple was not allowed to sell the iPhone 16 (all four models, plus the new model 16e) for a total of five months. This had been used as a means of pressure of the authorities in Jakarta to ensure that the US company maintains its commitments to put money into Indonesian parts of the company (or representative). Apple had not previously invested a relatively moderate sum in the country, which had escalated the dispute. In the meantime, one billion US dollars had been offered or requested.

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Potential giant market for Apple

The Bloomberg report now states that the billion in question will flow. In the coming days, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is to be signed, So informed circles. The responsible Ministry of Industry will approved the sale of the iPhone 16 “as soon as possible”.

Almost 280 million people live here, it is the largest Islamic country on earth. The population is largely interested in (half of the population under the age of 44) and is still very young and technology, accordingly the Presidential Republic in addition to China and India could rise to the third most important sales market in Asia for Apple.

Money for production, research and training

Among other things, the billion is said to flow into works that manufacture accessories such as the Airtags. The government had actually demanded that the iPhone or components of it – were also produced locally. It is still unclear whether this happens. Apple initially only wanted to invest $ 95 million in Indonesia, but then invested a little too little. In addition, there was a decision that Apple should pay a penalty payment of $ 10 million, which should now have been made according to the Ministry of Industry.

Apple should also set up training centers for local employees and – if possible – operate research and development in the country. According to Bloomberg writes more details at an upcoming press event. It is not entirely clear whether it really comes to MOA and a deal – in the past it looked like the problem for Apple, but then there were recent demands from the government.