Iran lifted its ban on iPhone models. The ban, imposed in 2023, had restricted the import of newer iPhone models, affecting many Iranians wishing to purchase these phones. The announcement, made by the country minister of telecommunicationspaves the way for the import and sale of iPhone 14, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 devices in the country.
Telecommunications Minister Satar Hashemi announced the policy change regarding X, saying the issue of registering new iPhones had been resolved with the president’s support. Massoud Pezeshkian. Although details on the import process have not yet been disclosed, this announcement signals a significant change in Iran’s stance on the subject. Apple Products.

Read the minister’s full message (translated from Persian):

The iPhone registry issue has been resolved by the administration of the Federal Government, the support of the honorable President and #پیگیری_فعالانه_وزارت_ارتباطات . I believe that with #کار_کارشناسی , by creating consensus, without noise and turmoil, other problems of cyberspace and people’s demands can be solved.
With today’s Cabinet approval and lifting of the ban, achieved with the support of the Honorable Legal Assistant to the President and the Honorable Minister Samet, the details and regulations related to the importation of iPhone will be announced as soon as possible.

Why Iran banned iPhones

In September 2020, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for a ban on excessive imports of luxury goods, including a US-made phone, citing concerns about the country’s finances. This ultimately led to a ban on iPhone 14 imports in February 2023.
The decision to lift the ban comes despite earlier criticism of iPhone imports by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who expressed concerns about excessive imports and consumption of luxury goods .
“Excessive imports are something dangerous,” Khamenei said at the time, according to the AP news agency citing a transcript on his official website.
“Sometimes this import is a luxury product, meaning it is not necessary. I heard that about half a billion dollars was spent to import a luxury type of American cell phone,” he added.
The 2023 ban had created a thriving black market for older iPhone models, driving up prices and highlighting the economic challenges Iranians face amid Western sanctions. Despite the ban, older iPhones remained popular, with government statistics indicating they made up a significant portion of the country’s mobile phone import market.
However, other foreign smartphone brands such as Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, Xiaomi and Huawei remain widely available in Iran, the report added.