The Southeast Asian nation aims to boost domestic manufacturing by requiring smartphones sold within its borders to consist of at least 40% locally produced components.

The ban, enforced since November 2023, has halted sales of Apple’s latest iPhone 16 model, along with Alphabet’s Google Pixel phones, for failing to comply with these rules. 

The country’s Industry Minister, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, confirmed the rejection of Apple’s proposal, noting its inadequacy when compared to investments the tech giant has made in neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

Kartasasmita noted that Apple’s $100 million offer to establish a plant for accessories and components in Indonesia pales in comparison to its significant investments elsewhere. 

For instance, Apple has funnelled billions into Vietnam, which has become an important manufacturing hub for the company. The minister also pointed out that Apple still has an outstanding $10 million investment commitment from 2023 that remains unfulfilled.

He pointed to the need for “fairness” in negotiations, stating, “We want Apple to continue doing business in Indonesia, but the terms must be equitable and aligned with our goals of local industrial growth.” 

Jakarta expects Apple to clear its previous commitments and also make new investments stretching into 2026.

While Apple has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, the company has operated application developer academies in the country since 2018. 

These initiatives were previously accepted as a partial fulfilment of local content requirements for older iPhone models. However, authorities are now demanding more concrete contributions, particularly in hardware production and local sourcing.

Indonesia’s approach to enforcing localisation requirements is in line with Countries like Vietnam that have successfully attracted industry giants through generous investment incentives and solid supply chain networks.

Other smartphone brands, including Samsung and Xiaomi, have complied with Indonesia’s rules by establishing important manufacturing operations within the country. 

Meanwhile, Google Pixel phones remain banned under similar regulations, as the government continues its relentless focus on its localisation policies.

Kartasasmita disclosed that the government plans to invite Apple for further discussions. He stressed that Indonesia remains a lucrative market for the tech giant, with a population of over 270 million and a growing demand for smartphones. 

Despite Apple’s lower market share in the country, the potential for expansion is considerable, making the resolution of this standoff necessary for the company.

The minister said the government is ensuring fair investment terms while facilitating local industrial development. 

With the latest updates rolling out on Feb 26, 2024, Android users can look forward to a range of new features designed to simplify daily tasks and maximize efficiency across devices.

Enhanced safety on the road is a primary focus of the updates, with Android Auto introducing a feature leveraging AI to summarize lengthy texts and busy group chats while driving.

This functionality promotes safer driving practices and also allows users to respond promptly with suggested replies and actions, all accessible with a single tap.

Accessibility is made better with the introduction of image captions in Lookout on Android, empowering users with visual impairments by providing AI-generated descriptions of photos and online images.

This inclusive feature, now available globally in English, enhances accessibility and enriches the digital experience for all users.

Lens in Maps receives an accessibility enhancement with enhanced screen reader support, enabling users to explore nearby locations and identify points of interest with greater ease. In leveraging TalkBack, users can receive audible information about businesses, restaurants, ATMs, and transit stations simply by pointing their phone’s camera.

Collaborative document review will become more intuitive and efficient with Google Docs markups on Android, allowing users to add handwritten annotations directly from their mobile devices using finger or stylus input.

With a variety of markup tools available, reviewing documents and providing feedback becomes more intuitive and efficient than ever before.

Android users can now seamlessly switch between devices while listening to Spotify, thanks to new casting controls integrated into the output switcher on the home screen. This enhancement ensures uninterrupted listening experiences across various media playback devices.

The redesigned Fitbit app on Android provides users with a holistic view of their health and wellness data by integrating information from connected wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal.

With data consolidated in one place, users can easily monitor their exercise, steps, calories burned, and more.

Google Wallet passes now extend to Wear OS smartwatches, allowing users to access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, and loyalty cards directly from their wrists. Users can customize which passes to display for quick and convenient access whenever needed.

Google Maps for Wear OS introduces public transit directions, enabling users to check departure times and receive compass-guided navigation directions directly from their smartwatches. Whether on foot or using public transportation, users can stay informed and navigate with ease.

Google Messages now leverages Gemini, a virtual assistant accessible within the app for drafting messages, brainstorming ideas, planning events, or engaging in casual conversations. This feature, available in beta in English, enhances the messaging experience and streamlines communication tasks.

Android is utilizing cutting-edge technology and user-centric design principles to help users achieve more and stay connected securely.

All offering up to three days battery life1, with improved imaging and durability in the C-series and the first Nokia smartphone (Nokia G22) to come with repairability at its core, including a global collaboration with iFixit.

Adam Ferguson, Head of Product Marketing, HMD Global: “People value long-lasting, quality devices and they shouldn’t have to compromise on price to get it.

The new Nokia G22 is purposefully built with a repairable design so you can keep it even longer, and with advanced imaging on Nokia C32 and improved durability on Nokia C22, we are bringing even more value to the C-series.”

Nokia G22 – the first Nokia smartphone with repairability at its core Nokia G22 is the first Nokia smartphone purposefully designed with repairability at its core, taking signature Nokia phone longevity to the next level.

In collaboration with iFixit, a global repair community, you can easily access repair guides and affordable parts to replace a damaged display, bent charging port, or flat battery on Nokia G22.

The new G-series smartphone also comes with a 100% recycled plastic back, OZO Playback that delivers enhanced bass and clearer sound, plus 2 years of AndroidTM OS upgrades, three years of monthly security updates2, and an extended three-year warranty3 at no extra cost.

Ben Wood, Chief Analyst, CCS Insight: “As consumers increasingly demand more sustainable and longer-lasting devices, the ability to repair smartphones easily and affordably will become a key differentiator in the market.

CCS Insight’s end-user research reflects this with approximately half of the mobile phone users in Western Europe saying they would like to be able to have their device repaired at a reasonable cost if they break outside of the warranty period.”

Nokia C32 comes with the highest image quality in the C-series yet

Packing a 50MP camera and stellar imaging algorithms, Nokia C32 brings advanced imaging to an even more affordable price point. It comes in a refined design with a toughened glass finish and elegant, straight sidewalls that give the C-series a premium feel.

Arriving with the latest Android 13 right out of the box, Nokia C32 delivers the most personalized software to date for a modern smartphone experience.

Nokia C22 – a durability champion offering maximum value

Nokia C22 arrives with exceptional build quality that outperforms the competition4 in rigorous free fall tests.

Nokia C22 is prepared to take on the unexpected moments of daily life thanks to IP52 splash and dust protection, toughened 2.5D display glass, and rigid metal chassis housed within a strong polycarbonate unibody design.

It’s packed with powerful imaging algorithms in an improved dual 13MP camera that makes capturing memories with crisp detail possible in any light.

Data from the Center shows that Nigeria spent $807.95 million on the importation of phone sets in 2019, $765.57 million in 2020, and $772.25 million in 2021.

ITC stated that among the imported telephone sets were cellphones, teleprinters, facsimile machines for line telephony, and other items.

The report also showed that China ($1.71 billion during the time under review) supplied the majority of the phone sets entering the nation.

The country also imports goods from other countries like Mexico, Hong Kong, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United States, Hong Kong, and others.