Apple's iPhone 16 Models Get Telecommunications Approval in Indonesia

Image Credit: Reuters

Indonesia has granted telecommunications permits for five models of Apple's iPhone 16, according to the communications ministry, marking progress towards allowing the devices to be sold locally after a previous ban.

The permits were issued just a week after Indonesia also provided local content certificates for 20 Apple products, including the iPhone 16. However, Apple still requires an import permit from the trade ministry to begin selling the iPhones in the country.

Last year, Indonesia banned the sale of the iPhone 16 because Apple failed to meet local content requirements for domestically-made parts. Analysts had warned that such regulations could undermine investor confidence and raise concerns about protectionism.

The five models approved are the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This move follows Apple's recent announcement of over $300 million in investments in Indonesia, which includes the establishment of plants for producing components and a research and development center.

Apple has yet to comment on the development. Dwi Handoko, a senior official from the communications ministry, confirmed that the five permits were issued as per Apple’s request.

Paraphrasing text from "Reuters" all rights reserved by the original author