Regulators in the state of São Paulo imposed a fine of almost $ 2 million on Apple on Friday for not including chargers in iPhone 12 cases, according to 9to5Mac and a Google translation of a report from Brazilian technology news agency To lean.
Consumer protection agency Procon-SP also accused Apple of engaging in misleading advertising, refusing to repair defective devices, and maintaining unfair contractual terms with consumers.
Starting with his iPhone 12 series, Apple announced it was scraping the wall charger and headphones normally included in previous iPhones to reduce electronic waste, citing environmental concerns. At the time, critics argued that Apple’s decision had more to do with cutting shipping costs than saving the planet, and any impact on the environment would likely be minimal.
Procon-SP asked Apple if the price of the iPhone 12 would be reduced, since it did not come with a charger, but the agency said it never received an answer, reports 9to5Mac. In addition to the charger disaster, he accused Apple of refusing to repair devices that were not as water resistant as advertised and of failing to help customers who had “problems with some functions” on their iPhones after iOS updates. Procon-SP also states that the terms of Apple’s contract are excessively broad and protect Apple from any liability, even when its devices have hidden defects, as the outlet.
“Apple needs to understand that in Brazil there are strong consumer protection laws and institutions. You need to respect these 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 will be sure to update this blog if they do. He still has the option to appeal that decision through the Brazilian judicial system. Honestly, though, it’s probably easier for Apple to just shell out the money and not even worry about it. $ 2 million is a drop in the ocean when you’re making more than $ 100 billion, ordinary B, in revenue like Apple had only in the first quarter of 2021.