14 DAY TRIAL // Well, it was probably just a matter of time until this happens. The Brazilian consumer watchdog, officially known as Procon-SP, has decided to issue a $2 million fine for Apple (at today’s exchange rates) for not including a charger in the box of new iPhones.
Back in the fall of 2020, Apple announced one of the most controversial changes in a long time: the company launched the new iPhone 12 generation without a charger in the box, claiming that the whole thing is supposed to help protect the environment and reduce electronic waste.
In theory, that’s something that deserves all the praises, but it’s the kind of decision that doesn’t sit well with all buyers.
Apple claimed most iPhone buyers already have a charger with a Lightning connector, and if they don’t, they can always buy one from the Apple Store.
Apple can appeal the fine
Procon-SP, on the other hand, warned Apple that selling iPhones without chargers in the box violates the Brazilian laws, and despite the talks that started in late 2020, it looks like no conclusion has been reached.
What’s more, the consumer watchdog says Apple also misled customers about the water resistance of its iPhones, eventually refusing to repair devices under warranty if they were exposed to liquids. All modern iPhones come with an IP68 rating, but Apple still doesn’t recommend users to take the device for a swim or submerge it into water intentionally.
Apple hasn’t commented on the fine, but the company can always appeal to it. At this point, however, this decision paves the way for more similar penalties in Brazil, especially as Apple’s choice of selling phones without a charger has started a whole new trend, with more companies already doing the same thing, including the world’s number one phone maker Samsung.