The iPhone 16 has been completely banned and declared illegal in one country due to a bizarre reason that surprises many.
A new phone called the iPhone 16 has been forbidden in Indonesia.
This means that people in Indonesia are not allowed to buy or use this phone.
The reason for this ban is quite strange.
Why is the iPhone 16 completely banned and illegal in one country?
The new version was released all over the world last month. Many people were excited to get their hands on this new phone.
However, in Indonesia, it is not allowed to sell or use the iPhone 16.
In Indonesia, there are rules about how much of a product’s parts should come from the country itself.
40% of local parts needed to sell in Indonesia.
For the phone to be sold in Indonesia, it needs to have 40% of its parts sourced locally.
Unfortunately, Apple, the company that makes the iPhone, did not meet this requirement for the iPhone 16.
Reports suggest that Apple did not keep its promises to invest in Indonesia as agreed.
They were supposed to invest a certain amount of money in the Indonesian economy, but they fell short by about $14.75 million.
The Ministry of Industry in Indonesia made a statement about this issue.
They said that the iPhone 16 could not be sold in the country because Apple did not fulfill its promises to invest locally and get the necessary certification.
The Industry Minister of Indonesia, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, mentioned that if there is an iPhone 16 being used in Indonesia, it is considered illegal.
He said in a statement: “iPhone 16s imported by registered importers cannot be sold in the country since PT Apple Indonesia has yet to fulfill its investment commitment to obtain ‘local content level’ certification on innovation.”
People are encouraged to report any instances of the iPhone 16 being used in the country.
“We, the Ministry of Industry, are yet to be able to issue permits for the iPhone 16 because there are still commitments that Apple must realise,” the minister concluded.
It’s not just the iPhone 16 that is banned in Indonesia.
Other new Apple products and the Apple Watch Series 10 are also not allowed to be sold or used in the country.
Social media reactions to the iPhone 16 ban have been mixed.
Some people support the decision, saying it’s necessary for local industries. Others are upset, arguing that it limits their choices.
Many users are curious about the bizarre reason behind the ban.
Apple promised the Indonesian govt to build a factory. But then they want to have a tax holiday for 50 bizzare years, one users said.
Apple is asking for a 50-year tax break. I find it hard to believe that such a wealthy company would need such a deal, the second user commented.
All smart phones should be banned. The most advanced technology should be A Nokia 3310 lol, the third user joked.
Market is an asset. All countries should folllow this revelation, another wrote.
As Indonesian I agree with our government for banned IPhone 16 here, because Apple request for 50 years tax break and that’s can’t be approved.
And the other reason is Apple didn’t meet requirements of local content as regulated in Indonesia. Requirements like build local factory here, someone explained.