The Brazilian government also levied a fine of $2.38 million on Apple Inc. for not including a battery charger when selling iPhones.
In an unprecedented move on Tuesday, the Brazilian government levied a fine of $2.38 million on Apple Inc. and ordered the company to stop selling iPhones without a battery charger in the country. According to Reuters, the South American country's Ministry of Justice and Public Security has placed a ban on the sales of the iPhone 12 and newer models while also suspending any other iPhone model that did not come bundled with the power charger. In the order—published in the country's official gazette this week—Brazilian officials outright rejected Apple's argument that removing the battery charger from its iPhones was a move to reduce carbon emissions, pointing out that there is no evidence that selling the smartphone without a charger offers environmental protections.
Brazil orders Apple to suspend iPhone sales without charger https://t.co/7p68pYuBDm pic.twitter.com/mJszPDfb1X
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 6, 2022
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security argued that the iPhone lacking an essential component is a "deliberate discriminatory practice against consumers." According to The Verge, the sales ban comes the day before Apple's Far Out event, where the company is expected to debut its iPhone 14 lineup—which is also likely to come without a charger in the box. In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple said it would continue to work with Brazil's consumer protection agency, Senacon, to "resolve their concerns" and that it plans to appeal the ban.
Apple has been under investigation in Brazil since December last year for several issues including "the sale of an incomplete product" and "discrimination against the consumer" by offering iPhone 12s and newer versions without chargers for power outlets. pic.twitter.com/Syz99eBY40
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) September 7, 2022
"At Apple, we consider our impact on people and the planet in everything we do. Power adapters represented our largest use of zinc and plastic and eliminating them from the box helped cut over 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions—equivalent to removing 500,000 cars from the road per year," the Cupertino, California-based company said. "We have already won several court rulings in Brazil on this matter and we are confident that our customers are aware of the various options for charging and connecting their devices."
Brazil stops iPhone sales until Apple includes an AC charger https://t.co/UlAiN7PUph
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) September 7, 2022
Meanwhile, Senacon argues that Apple's decision to ditch the charger is a "burden" to customers and that the company could find other ways to reduce its environmental impact. The agency added that the lack of a charging brick when buying an iPhone makes the device "incomplete" and forces customers to make an additional purchase. This is not the first time Apple has run into trouble with the Brazilian government for its decision to sell phones without chargers. The country hit the company with a $2 million fine last year for not including chargers with its iPhone 12 devices and notes that Apple "has taken no measure to minimize the damage and continues to sell cell phones without chargers."
Brazil says Apple can’t keep selling iPhones that don’t come with a charger https://t.co/VoUPRDLqfQ pic.twitter.com/Asc2Xf99q9
— The Verge (@verge) September 7, 2022
Earlier this year, a Brazilian court ordered Apple to pay a man $1,000 for not including a power adapter with his iPhone. Judge Vanderlei Caires Pinheiro reportedly stated that "Apple obliged the consumer to purchase a second product of its exclusive manufacture which was an abusive and illegal commercial practice." Apple first announced its plans to sell iPhones without the charging brick and earbuds in 2020, citing environmental concerns. The company claimed that excluding the two accessories would allow them to sell their phones in smaller boxes and thereby offset carbon emissions. However, many believe the move benefits Apple’s finances more than the environment.
And I repeat, Apple sells problems then creates the solutions to those problems and sells those too. Ain't no way. https://t.co/OP9XfBWVlq
— Karabo (@KaraboNtswaki) September 7, 2022
how about stop introducing "new" iPhones that are not much different than the older generation every year? That will take their environmental protection argument to a new level.
— H_ (@Homer66666666) September 6, 2022
It doesn’t remove a single carbon molecule as someone else has to supply said charger: profit padding is all it is.
— Neil Wray (@neilw101) September 7, 2022
This is why I've never bought a Iphone. Apple's practices are outright deplorable. Really all the cellphone makers these days are dirtbags in their own special, unique ways, but Apple takes the cake!
— DarkExodiaGirl (@DarkExodiaGirl) September 7, 2022