Brazil Consumer-Protection Agency Fines Apple For Selling iPhone 12 Without Chargers
A Brazil consumer-protection agency fined tech giant Apple for selling iPhone 12 without chargers in the market. The fine costs about $2 million and was filed by Procon-SP which is located in the State of Sao Paulo in Brazil.
It can be remembered that starting from the iPhone 12 line of the tech giant, the packaging of their phones will come in smaller sizes. It is because earbuds and chargers will not be included in their boxes, unlike their previous rosters of iPhones.
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Brazil Regulators vs Apple
The chargers that are not in the boxes of Apple's iPhone 12 have raised the eyebrows of the agency that fights for the consumer's protection in the country. Moreover, 9to5 Mac noted that it is not the first time Procon-SP has questioned Apple regarding their new policy.
"Apple needs to understand that in Brazil, there are solid consumer protection laws and institutions," said Fernando Capez, Procon-SP executive director. Capez also noted that the company must abide by and respect the laws and institutions in the country, according to a Gizmodo report.
PC Mag highlighted that every iPhone 12 comes with a lightning to USB-C cable, apart from the device. The earbuds that are usually included in the box are also omitted by the company expecting that every customer should have their own EarPods and chargers.
The agency asked the company whether they will reduce their price for the iPhone 12 given that chargers and EarPods will not be included. However, the agency reported that they did not receive any response from Apple.
It can also be remembered that Samsung, Apple's competitor soon released their flagship phones, following the iPhone12's release. Samsung included chargers in their boxes to continue satisfying their fans.
iMore noted that Procon-SP asked for an explanation from Apple as to why the company decided to remove the power adapters from the boxes. However, the agency is not convinced with Apple's response saying that it a part of their commitment to the environment.
Brazil Regulators and Other Concerns
Procon-SP is not only concerned about the power adapter's presence in the box. The agency has also accused Apple of misleading advertising, selling devices with factory defects, and maintaining unfair terms with consumers.
iPhone 11 pro consumers reported that Apple did not repair their phones after problems concerning water. Some users reported problems on their devices after updating them and the company was not able to give them help. Unfair terms of the company show that Apple exempts their self from all legal and implicit guarantees. Including hidden or not apparent defects.
In addition, "the software distributed by Apple... is not covered by warranty," said Procon-SP adding that the company did not guarantee that the product will work uninterruptedly.
Although Apple was fined by the regulator in Brazil, Apple can still appeal to the decision through Brazil's court system if they want to. The matter can be taken to court if there is no resolution is agreed upon by both parties.
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WATCH: The Real Reason The iPhone 12 Doesn't Come With A Charger - from Payette Forward
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