Indonesia Bans iPhone 16 and Apple Watch 10 Sales Over Unmet Investment Promises

The Indonesian government has imposed a ban on the sale and usage of Apple’s latest iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch 10 series across the country, citing unmet investment promises from the tech giant.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry blocked the issuance of IMEI certificates for these Apple devices after the company reportedly invested only $95 million of its pledged $100 million toward local research and development. Under Indonesian law, foreign companies must meet local production or R&D requirements, including 40% local content to operate within the country.

While foreign tourists and airline staff may bring up to two iPhone 16 devices for personal use in Indonesia, they are restricted from selling them domestically. This move underscores Indonesia’s strict commitment to bolstering local development and investment from global tech firms.