Iran Lifts Ban on New Apple iPhones

The Iranian government has lifted a three-year ban on the import and registration of new Apple iPhone models, specifically allowing the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 to be registered for use in the country. This decision, announced by Telecommunications Minister Satar Hashemi, marks a significant shift in policy as the previous administration had restricted imports of luxury American products amid ongoing US sanctions. The new decree includes a hefty 96% tariff on these imports, and guidelines for registration will be provided soon. This change is seen as a response to high consumer demand for advanced technology among young Iranians, despite previous criticism from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei regarding excessive luxury imports. The ban had created a black market for older iPhone models, which were still popular as status symbols. The lifting of the ban reflects broader efforts by the Iranian government to enhance access to technology and potentially ease internet restrictions.