Indonesia bans sale and use of iPhone 16 series

28 October 2024
The ban is a direct result of Apple's unmet investment commitments in the country.

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Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024then they need to pay tax to use it in Indonesia, with out ... moreThey do. Go check the regulations. Even with the duties, imported iPhones are still a bit cheaper than the ones released officially. Thus Apple is not worried. Plenty of Indonesians already own the iPhone 16.

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    • Minu
    • IWR
    • 29 Oct 2024

    Jagganatha, 28 Oct 2024Who would buy a mobile phone with no fitting for a wristrap... moreEven worse, they don't hold up well physically due to the poor build quality.

    A "titanium", "stainless steel" or "aluminum" frame that feels like recycled plastic in the hand is unacceptable for an expensive phone, regardless of the brand.
    Also the fragile glass backs cracking from minor heighted drops, deserve a honorable mention.

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • Kxh
      • 29 Oct 2024

      + Apple asking Indonesia Goverment 50 years TAX-FREE

        akubewae, 29 Oct 2024It's not all about hardware oriented, it could be soft... moreOfc I knew about that. But, are you sure Indonesian do coding of iOS core? The code shall be on the Level 3 or 4 which is not easily transported outside certain R&D sites.

          MasEnha, 29 Oct 2024Building factories just to fit the screws and do nice packa... moreIt's not all about hardware oriented, it could be software oriented, or participation on local R n D (investment)

          Apple didn't met the condition as a seller here

            Apple just want to use Indonesia's market for free

            - no factories
            - no investment for local RnD
            - no official authorized dealer
            - no official cervice center
            - they even want tax-free for 50 years

            Oh yeah, apple user in Indonesia is closer to become a cultist for literally everythings apple give them, and apple knows it very well...

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              • New guy
              • Kig
              • 29 Oct 2024

              Aierlan, 28 Oct 2024Right. Looked it up. It's a partnership with local man... moreThat's the whole point. Manufactured by indonesian manufacturers. And xiaomi does have several factories in china, their own factories

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                • Pete
                • H0p
                • 29 Oct 2024

                The article in question presents a rather misleading narrative, suggesting a misunderstanding of the current regulations affecting smartphone sales in Indonesia. It is imperative for GSMArena to conduct thorough research prior to publishing such claims.

                Firstly, it is crucial to note that the official sale of the iPhone 16 series has been prohibited in Indonesia. Consequently, authorised Apple resellers, such as iBox and DigiMap, are unable to offer these devices for sale within their stores. This ban fundamentally restricts access to the latest Apple products through official channels.

                Secondly, it is important to understand that all international smartphones face an automatic IMEI ban in Indonesia. This regulation is enforced by the blocking of unregistered IMEI numbers on these devices. While users can still operate international smartphones using foreign SIM cards, local Indonesian SIM cards will not function unless the device has been registered through the appropriate channels. Visitors who bring their devices into the country must navigate the registration process via Customs, or coordinate with the Ministry of Telecommunications. This process may incur various taxes and fees.

                Significantly, the second point implies that individuals can indeed purchase the iPhone 16 abroad and subsequently register its IMEI upon arrival in Indonesia, provided they pay the requisite duties and taxes. This registration will yield official tax documentation, confirming that the import duties have been duly settled.

                It is crucial for publications like GSMArena to accurately represent these regulatory nuances to avoid misleading consumers and to foster a better understanding of the complexities surrounding smartphone ownership in Indonesia.

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                  • Intens
                  • DjI
                  • 29 Oct 2024

                  It's not about Domestic Component Level Certification (TKDN) only, Apple wants tax free for the next 50 years if they build factory. That's huge loss for Indonesian

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                    • Ss
                    • tht
                    • 29 Oct 2024

                    As many said, lack of apple store and apple services is already a red flag and show how little apple think of Indonesia market. If Indonesian government can force apple to adhere to regulation that also apply to all phones brand then it is good for the Indonesian.

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                      • optional
                      • nvH
                      • 29 Oct 2024

                      Apple's reaction:
                      "Oh no...
                      Anyway!"
                      Yeah, they are not missing all that much since majority of Indonesians are living in poverty

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                        • Zaini
                        • XNg
                        • 29 Oct 2024

                        Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024To be honest as a member of WTO, Indonesia were not right ... moreApple did not meet this commitment and Indonesia responded with a sales ban while waiting for the investment to be realized. If you know, a long time ago Apple was given the choice to build manufacturing or invest in R&D. Stay in Indonesia, you will know the real situation.

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                          • Anonymous
                          • ib6
                          • 29 Oct 2024

                          Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024Indonesia auto-black list all the phone IMEI in the world. ... moreReally? Then why USA can do this?

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                            • Rbx
                            • mFu
                            • 29 Oct 2024

                            Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024xiaomi is made by china not India stop this bs It's a Chinese brand but not only manufactured in its homeland, where do you think Indian variant is manufactured ? Next time try to read and understand before showing up useless agressivity, I've never said it's a Indian brand.

                              Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024yes, but china build factory in indonesia, apple did not, a... moreBuilding factories just to fit the screws and do nice packaging doesn't magically made 40% local components. It's only cheating to please the boss. The system shall be audited by international certification bodies.

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                                • Cupang
                                • 64i
                                • 28 Oct 2024

                                Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024yes, but china build factory in indonesia, apple did not, a... moreThis.
                                I can understand clueless bules thinking they know better but honestly it's really odd how many "Indonesian" here is defending Apple considering:
                                - Apple is already an extremely minor brand in Indonesia.
                                - Meaning most of these Apple defenders probably doesn't even use iPhone.
                                - Most if not all people who can afford buying Apple new can also buy, import, and pay tariffs from Singapore.
                                What's even weirder is that some of these people vehemently hated Apple and their users before but when a government ban it somehow Apple is good Apple is friend? Like... What?

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                                  • Anonymous
                                  • 04M
                                  • 28 Oct 2024

                                  Rbx, 28 Oct 2024If I'm not mistaken all the Xiaomi meant for ASEAN zon... morexiaomi is made by china not India stop this bs

                                    Who would buy a mobile phone with no fitting for a wristrap , supplied without a case and/or wriststrap or charger, in a box designed to ensure the item arrives damaged if at all possible-
                                    there is NO padding protection against shock damage for this very expensive item and its precision lenses....

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                                      • Anonymous
                                      • XVE
                                      • 28 Oct 2024

                                      Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024Ban sales is possible. But how to ban people from using?Indonesia auto-black list all the phone IMEI in the world.
                                      When company want to sell it in Indonesia
                                      They must pay tax and give the IMEI number to govt to be put on the whitelist

                                      BTW, This is also against the FREE-TRADE of WTO.

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                                        • Anonymous
                                        • XVE
                                        • 28 Oct 2024

                                        Anonymous, 28 Oct 2024yes, but china build factory in indonesia, apple did not, a... moreThat rule of TKDN is actually like what the American and China were fighting.
                                        It's against the WTO rule
                                        Indonesia is NOT as strong as USA or China
                                        Indonesia will be fined and won't be able to pay