Indonesia blocks Google Pixel smartphones sales for the same reason the country banned Apple iPhone 16

Indonesia has banned the sale of Google Pixel smartphones as the country aims to push domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported technology, a report has said. As per the company, its Pixel phones are currently not officially distributed in Indonesia.

According to a report by news agency Reuters, the Google Pixel phone sales have been blocked due to the company's failure to comply with regulations requiring a minimum of 40% locally-sourced components.

“We are pushing these rules so that there's fairness for all investors in Indonesia. Google's products have not adhered to the scheme we set, so they can't be sold here,” said industry ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief.

He added that consumers can still purchase Google Pixel smartphones overseas and bring them into the country, provided they pay the required taxes. However, authorities warn that phones sold illicitly within Indonesia may be deactivated.

Indonesia bans Apple iPhone 16 sale in country
This move follows a similar ban on Apple's iPhone 16 just days prior to Google Pixel block. The ban stems from the same reason – Apple's reported ‘failure’ to fulfil investment promises made to the Indonesian government.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said that any iPhone 16 operating in Indonesia is “illegal” and urged citizens to report such devices. This action is tied to the country's "Domestic Component Level" (TKDN) certification, which requires companies to incorporate at least 40% locally-sourced components in their products.

Apple's TKDN certification is pending due to the company's incomplete investment in local research and development facilities, reports said. The Ministry of Industry has withheld the necessary International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) certification for the iPhone 16, effectively making its sale and operation illegal in the country.

Despite Apple CEO Tim Cook's visit to Indonesia in April and discussions about potential manufacturing plans with President Joko Widodo, the iPhone 16, launched globally in September, remains unavailable in Indonesia, along with other new Apple products like the Apple Watch Series 10.