In a significant development for the tech industry, Indonesia and Apple have reportedly reached an agreement to lift the country's ban on the iPhone 16. According to Bloomberg News, which cited people familiar with the matter, the deal could be signed as early as this week.
Indonesia had imposed the ban in October after Apple failed to meet domestic manufacturing requirements mandating that at least 35% of smartphone parts sold locally be produced in Indonesia. In response to the ban, Indonesia's investment minister revealed that Apple plans to invest $1 billion in a manufacturing plant to produce components for smartphones and other products, a move aimed at boosting local production.
Under the new terms, Apple is expected to further commit to training local talent in research and development through additional programs beyond its existing Apple academies. However, the tech giant has indicated that it has no immediate plans to start assembling iPhones in the country.
Both Apple and Indonesia's Ministry for Industry, which enforces the ban, have yet to respond to requests for comment from Reuters and Bloomberg.
The agreement marks a potential easing of tensions between the U.S. tech giant and the Indonesian government, signaling a shift toward greater local integration in Apple’s supply chain while ensuring continued market access for its flagship products in Indonesia.
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