Brazil fines Apple nearly $ 2 million for iPhone 12 ditching charger

Regulators in the Brazilian state of São Paulo fined Apple nearly $ 2 million on Friday for failing to include chargers in iPhone 12 cases, according to 9to5Mac and a Google translation of a report by Brazilian technology news release Inclination.

Consumer protection agency Procon-SP has also accused Apple of engaging in deceptive advertising, refusing to repair faulty devices, and the maintenance of unfair contractual terms with consumers.

Starting with its iPhone 12 series, Apple announced it was scratching the wall charger and headphones typically included with previous iPhones to reduce electronic waste, citing environmental concerns. At the time, critics argued that Apple’s decision had more to do with reducing shipping costs than saving the planet, and that any impact on the environment would likely be minimal.

Procon-SP asked Apple if the iPhone 12’s price would be reduced because it didn’t 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 fix devices that weren’t as water resistant as expected and of failing to help customers who were having “issues with certain functions” on their iPhones. following iOS updates. Procon-SP also claims that Apple’s contract terms are too broad and protect Apple from liability even when its devices have hidden flaws, according to the outlet.

“Apple needs to understand that in Brazil there are strong consumer protection laws and institutions. He must respect these laws and these institutions, ”said the agency’s executive director, Fernando Capez.

Apple didn’t immediately respond to Gizmodo’s request for comment, but we’ll be sure to update this blog if they do. He still has the possibility of appealing this decision through the Brazilian judicial system. Honestly, though, it’s probably easier for Apple to shell out the cash without even caring. $ 2 million is a drop in the bucket when you win over $ 100 billion, with a b, in turnover as Apple did not do until the first quarter of 2021.