🚨 Big news for tech lovers! Apple's shiny new iPhone 16 won't be hitting Indonesian stores anytime soon. 😱
Why, you ask? Well, Indonesia has a rule that says all smartphones sold there must have at least 40% locally made components. Apple's iPhone 16 didn't make the cut. 🙅♂️
Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, the spokesperson from Indonesia's Ministry of Industry, spilled the tea: "Imported iPhone 16 hardware cannot be marketed in the country because Apple Indonesia hasn't fulfilled its investment commitment to secure local content certification." 📢
But don't freak out if you're an Apple fan in Indonesia! 🍏 You can still snag an iPhone 16 if you buy it abroad and pay the import taxes when you bring it back. ✈️💰
Apple is keeping quiet for now, so no word from them yet. 🤐
Indonesia's a pretty big deal for tech companies—it's got loads of young, tech-savvy people. 📱🌏 Back in April, when Apple CEO Tim Cook visited, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita was hoping Apple would team up with local companies to boost that local content. 🤝
Even though Apple doesn't have factories in Indonesia, they've invested over $100 million (yep, you read that right!) in local app developer academies since 2018 to support tech talent. 💡🎓
Right now, the smartphone scene in Indonesia is ruled by China's OPPO and South Korea's Samsung. They were the top sellers in the first quarter of 2024, according to IDC. 📊🇨🇳🇰🇷
Reference(s):
Apple's iPhone 16 blocked from Indonesian market over local parts rule
cgtn.com
