Apple has received a millionaire fine for the controversial decision to remove the charger from the box of the latest iPhone 12 series.
According to Engadget, the Brazilian state of São Paulo has decided to fine Apple heavily — almost $2 million. The decision to remove the charger from the box, according to the government, is considered a deception to users. And although this is the spearhead of the fine, it goes further, stating that the Cupertino firm has breached established repair contracts.
Brazilian consumer protection regulator Procon-SP also accuses Apple of misleading advertising, selling devices with factory defects, maintaining unfair terms in consumer contracts, and failing to repair products that were still under warranty.
Procon-SP demanded an explanation from Apple as to why it removed the charger from the last iPhone 12 box in October. The answer was already known, the Cupertino firm’s commitment to the environment. The company appears not to have been satisfied with Apple’s response, hence the fine.
Apple has not been the only one. Samsung had to reach an agreement with the Procon-SP to include a free charger in pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S21, which, like Apple, dispensed with it in the box.
