The iPhone 16 just hit a major roadblock in Indonesia 🇮🇩—and it’s all about local manufacturing rules. Jakarta’s Ministry of Industry confirmed the smartphone giant can’t sell its latest model domestically after failing to meet Indonesia’s 40% local component requirement.
🔍 What’s the deal? Indonesia pushes tech companies to invest locally, and Apple hasn’t secured certification for using enough Indonesian-made parts. While you can still buy the phone abroad (🛫 + 💸 taxes), it’s a blow for Apple in a market of 280 million people, where Samsung and China’s OPPO dominate sales.
🌏 Why it matters: Indonesia’s tech-savvy population makes it a goldmine for global brands. Officials even pitched Apple during CEO Tim Cook’s April visit to boost local partnerships. So far, Apple’s invested $101.8M in 🇮🇩 app dev academies but still no factories.
📈 Competitors are winning: OPPO and Samsung control nearly 60% of Q1 2024 sales, per IDC. Will Apple adapt or lose this Southeast Asian battleground? Stay tuned.
