iPhone 16: Why this region of the world has just banned the sale of Apple's smartphone ?

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Indonesia, a major economic power in ASEAN with a GDP of 1 trillion dollars, does not joke around with its regulations. The country has more than 350 million active mobile phones for 270 million inhabitants. A colossal market that Apple will not be able to take advantage of immediately.

Investment deemed insufficient by Jakarta

The standoff between Apple and the Indonesian authorities is rooted in the strict rules imposed on foreign manufacturers. Apple’s local subsidiary has invested only 1.5 trillion rupiah ($95 million) of the promised 1.7 trillion. This amount falls short of the government’s expectations, which requires a minimum of 40% local content for smartphones sold in its territory.

Apple’s strategy in Indonesia is different from that adopted in other emerging markets. Instead of setting up a local production unit, the company has favored the creation of developer academies. An approach that has clearly not convinced the Indonesian authorities, who are keen to develop their manufacturing industry.

Despite the official ban, around 9,000 iPhone 16s are already circulating on Indonesian territory. These devices entered the country legally, carried by passengers, crew members or sent by post. The ministry specifies, however, that These smartphones are reserved for personal use and cannot be marketed.

A blow to Apple's Asian strategy

This decision comes at a delicate time for Apple. The Californian company is banking heavily on Asian markets, particularly since the rebound in demand in China. Indonesia represents a strategic market with its expanding middle class and its growing appetite for high-end technology products such as the iPhone 16.

Ongoing negotiations

Discussions are continuing between Apple and the Indonesian government. The manufacturer will either have to increase its direct investments or review its local production strategy to hope to market the iPhone 16 in the archipelago. A situation that could set a precedent for other emerging markets eager to attract investment from tech giants.

• Indonesia blocks iPhone 16 sales for failure to meet local investment requirements
• Apple invested $95 million instead of the expected $108 million
• The 9,000 iPhone 16s already in the country are for personal use only

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