Google Pixel phones banned in Indonesia after iPhone 16 ban

In a spell of smartphone bans, Indonesia has banned Google Pixel phones from being sold legally. The Pixel phone ban comes shortly over the heels of the iPhone 16 ban recently implemented in the country.

Since the Indonesian government demands that 40% of smartphone components be produced locally, this stands to reason that the country brought the bans into effect for this very fundamental requirement.

Here's why Indonesia banned Pixel phones

Another alternative to the aforesaid requirement set forth by the government is that smartphone manufacturers are required to make significant investments in the local economy.

Citing Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, Indonesia's industry ministry spokesperson, PC Mag reported that these rules are designed to ensure "fairness for all investors in Indonesia."

Not following the suit of archrivals like Samsung and Xiaomi, Google does not unfortunately have any manufacturing facilities in the Southeast Asian nation,

"Google's products have not adhered to the scheme we set, so they can't be sold here," Arief stated.

Can you buy Pixel phones and iPhone 16 in Indonesia? 

Of course, those fond can buy iPhones or the recently banned Google Pixel phones in Indonesia, but they will be obliged to pay additional taxes, as claimed by Arief.

The spokesperson of the Indonesian industry ministry also noted that local authorities might deactivate phones imported and sold unofficially.