According to regulators in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, they imposed a fine of nearly $ 2 million on Apple for not including the chargers in the boxes of the iPhone 12, according 9to5Mac and a Google translation of a report from Brazilian technology newsletter Inclination.
Consumer protection agency Procon-SP also accused Apple of misleading advertising and refusing to repair defective devices. and maintain unfair contract terms with consumers.
Starting with its iPhone 12 series, Apple announced scratched the wall charger and headphones that are normally included with previous iPhones to reduce electronic waste, citing environmental issues. At the time, according to critics, Apple’s decision had more to do with reducing shipping costs than saving the planet, and probably any impact on the environment would be minimal.
Procon-SP asked Apple if the price of the iPhone 12 would be reduced, as it did not come with a charger, but the agency said it never received a response, 9to5Mac reports. In addition to the charger debacle, he accused Apple of refusing to repair devices that were not as water-resistant as advertised and of helping customers who had “problems with some features” on their iPhones after iOS updates. Procon-SP also claims that Apple’s contractual clauses are overly broad and protect Apple from liability, even when it is considered that its devices have flaws hidden by the dam.
“Apple must understand that in Brazil there are solid laws and institutions for consumer protection. You have to respect those laws and these institutions, “said the agency’s executive director, Fernando Capez.
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Apple did not immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment, but we’ll be sure to update this blog if it does. He still has the option to appeal against this decision through the Brazilian judicial system. Honestly, though, it’s probably easier for Apple to just wipe out the money and not even bother about it. $ 2 million is a drop in the bucket when you earn more than $ 100 billion, with a b, in revenue like Apple only in the first quarter of 2021.