Indonesia issues telco permits for five Apple iPhone 16 models

Indonesia has issued telecommunications permits for five different models of Apple’s iPhone 16, the communications ministry said on Friday, a step towards allowing sales after a domestic ban. The permit issue came a week after Indonesia issued local content certificates for 20 Apple products including iPhone 16.

Apple still needs an import permit from the trade ministry to be able to sell the iPhones locally, the industry ministry has said. The Southeast Asian country of about 280 million people banned iPhone 16 sales last year as the company failed to meet composition requirements regarding locally-made parts. Analysts have said the rules could hurt investor confidence and trigger protectionism concerns.

The five telecommunication certificates were for iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The issuance of the permits follows last month’s announcement of more than $300 million investments by Apple in Indonesia, including in plants making components for its products, and a research and development centre. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Dwi Handoko, a senior communications ministry official, said five permits were issued as requested by Apple.