Apple Fined $2 Million in Brazil for Selling iPhones Without Chargers

[subjonas]

Of course we all want more for our money and don’t like when companies cheap out (especially if they’re disingenuous about the intentions behind it), but what they should be legally obligated to do is a whole different matter. At first, like others, I thought Apple should be legally forced to offer a free charger by request, but then I thought of two things. First, that could cause them to raise the price of the iPhone to compensate, which they might as Apple is a business, which would be perfectly legal for them to do in a free market. Second, in a free market a business should be free to sell items separately especially if indeed a large percentage of customers don’t need the items packaged together. I’m not sure how to define “large percentage”, but if that is the case here, then in my opinion the only real legal obligation Apple has, and has failed to do in my opinion, is they need to make it abundantly clear to the customer that the charger is not included before they purchase. As of now the site merely shows “what’s included” at the bottom of the page a little ways BELOW the “continue purchase” button (so it can easily be missed) and of course simply does not picture the charger. But since chargers have always been included and there is a widespread expectation for them to be included, that is not enough. Apple needs to actively and explicitly and obviously inform customers that the charger is not included—on the purchase page, in physical stores, and on the packaging—to a greater degree than they have been doing. In my opinion, they should only be legally liable for that.

edit- they do explicitly say charger must be purchased separately on the site actually, but inconspicuously. The fact that I actually looked for it and missed it the first time I think is saying something. It needs to be prominent.

 

[xb2003]

I just... is Apple’s decision based on money as much or more as it’s based on concern for the environment? Sure. Yeah. Obviously.

but like. It’s $20. My iPhone costed $1119, not $1099.

 

[contacos]

This is tired logic. If you already have the brick you already have the cable that goes with it as well. You didn’t just get a brick with any existing device you have. Including the new cable allows you to connect your phone to a newer Mac which most people don’t have.

so now you have a cable that you don’t use (potentially throwing it away cuz you have no use for it) and Apple is claiming that they removed the adapter for environmental reasons. In that case they also shouldn’t have included a cable if the cable does not even work with the adapter Apple says „we all have“. If you remove an adapter and claim everyone already has some, at least include a cable that works with those adapters? 🤷🏽‍♂️

my AirPod Pro also came with a usb-c to lightening cable and I thought how strange … cuz the regular AirPods still ship with a regular usb to lightening cable (I think).

 

[Mackin-tosh]

The issue I have with that is they claim a resistance value; it should not degrade enough over the warranty period to allow detectable water damage; if the sensor is tripped as soon as any water is detected, even within the stated time/depth the phone is water resistant then there advertising is misleading.

The problem here is there's no way to prove how deep the submersion was, or how long. If you start to warranty ANY of it, people will drop their phones in a lake, get water damage, then claim it was just a minor spill.

For me, the water resistance value reassures me that if my phone does end up in a spill situation, it most likely will survive based on those tests. I certainly dont expect apple to send me a new phone if I'm dumb enough to drop it in the toilet.

 

[Mackin-tosh]

Maybe I’m in the minority, but they’re premium phones and I doubt anyone who can afford one somehow can’t afford a $10 charging brick or USB-A lightning cable for a brick they certainly already have. I’m sure a vast majority already have a lightning cable + brick anyway at this point.

Yes, they could give the option to get one for free, but I bet many who don’t truly need one would do it because “why not, it’s free” and then throw out their perfectly good current brick because it’s “old.” I probably would myself to have an extra one that I don’t really even need.

And yes, I’m sure it’s partially to add a tiny bit of profit too. Good for them. They’re a for-profit company. And the environmental benefit is certainly real. A twofer right there.

You are correct. It is a premium phone, and that's part of the problem. There are so many people that need to get iphones as a status symbol, and can barely afford to finance those phones out for 3 or 4 years, then have nothing left to buy a charger.

 

[Suckfest 9001]

When did i ever say there should not be laws? There are obviously a need for laws. But if you cant see a diference between a law requiring a company to list ingredients in the food they will eat, and requiring an electronics company to bundle items that can quite easily be puechased separatly.. well... there no point in having a discussion.

Not impressed by that argument sorry

 

[Suckfest 9001]

Oddly enough, my iPhone 12 charges just fine with USB-A to Lightening cables from my old 8. The USB C cable is only used when traveling to charge and sync from my MacBook Pro.



The issue I have with that is they claim a resistance value; it should not degrade enough over the warranty period to allow detectable water damage; if the sensor is tripped as soon as any water is detected, even within the stated time/depth the phone is water resistant then there advertising is misleading.



Brazil is probably the largest consumer market in South America, likely bigger than all others combined. Apple has a factory there and gets breaks from the Brazilian government to make iPhones there. Not going to happen.

Lol because nobody’s buying their first iPhone or anything, nope that doesn’t exist.

If it wasn’t financially motivated why didn’t they reduce the price of the phone by the amount the charger brick costs? Yeah didn’t think so

 

[Deliro]

I guess those Brazilians are just hate the environment! No wonder why the rain forests are going away! Don't they know, this is about the environment, and not increasing Apple's margins! When the camera swoops to some VP proudly standing on their headquarters roof, next to solar panels, during their commerc.... er events, telling me the merits of Apple's crusade for the environment, it gives me the feels. I love the environment and don't mind paying the same for less.. Doing my part!

Never mind them doing business in China, with some of the lowest industrial regulations and highest population in the world. Bahh.. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, your shiny iPhone still is about the same price after all these years!

 

[Tork]

You are correct. It is a premium phone, and that's part of the problem. There are so many people that need to get iphones as a status symbol, and can barely afford to finance those phones out for 3 or 4 years, then have nothing left to buy a charger.

Indeed, the real problem would then be society’s and the need felt to have such a status symbol. I don’t fault Apple for selling an expensive phone if people will buy it, just like I don’t fault Audi for selling $100k+ cars.

And if money is that tight that nothing is left to buy a charger after buying the phone, that’s a personal finance issue and that person shouldn’t be buying a phone that’s potentially well into the four-digits USD in Brazil.

 

[Mackin-tosh]

Not impressed by that argument sorry

Lol because nobody’s buying their first iPhone or anything, nope that doesn’t exist.

If it wasn’t financially motivated why didn’t they reduce the price of the phone by the amount the charger brick costs? Yeah didn’t think so

Again, if you can't afford the $20 charger, you have no business buying a $1000 phone. Flip phones are cheap.
Maybe the government should force all Car Manufacturer's to include gasoline for the lifetime of the car? You need the gasoline to keep the car moving.

 

[Suckfest 9001]

Again, if you can't afford the $20 charger, you have no business buying a $1000 phone. Flip phones are cheap.
Maybe the government should force all Car Manufacturer's to include gasoline for the lifetime of the car? You need the gasoline to keep the car moving.

It has nothing to do with being able to afford it. I can be rich and also not want to be swindled by a corporation. If you’re ok with it then that says something about the way you manage your money but not all of us have to be and you’ll just have to get over it.

The gasoline thing was a terrible analogy - I don’t expect apple to pay for my electricity. But I wouldn’t buy a car where I need to purchase the gas port separately.

Just agree to disagree bud, not everyone will agree with you on everything and you’ll need to come to terms with that on your own. Super done discussing this

 

[notabadname]

This is just stupid. What was for sale, and not included, was clear in the packaging and information online. I wonder if Electric Vehicles sold in Brazil will be required to provide a charger (not just a cable, but an actual $500-$1,000 LVL 2 Charger) so the consumer can charge the vehicle at home.

 

[Mackin-tosh]

It has nothing to do with being able to afford it. I can be rich and also not want to be swindled by a corporation. If you’re ok with it then that says something about the way you manage your money but not all of us have to be and you’ll just have to get over it.

The gasoline thing was a terrible analogy - I don’t expect apple to pay for my electricity. But I wouldn’t buy a car where I need to purchase the gas port separately.

Just agree to disagree bud, not everyone will agree with you on everything and you’ll need to come to terms with that on your own. Super done discussing this

if you feel like you're being swindled, don't buy an iphone. It really is that simple.

 

[avkills]

Do people not read what the **** comes in the box anymore with stuff.

 

[Suckfest 9001]

if you feel like you're being swindled, don't buy an iphone. It really is that simple.

Thanks for the advice bud, I reserve the right to complain as a paying customer

 

[Maconplasma]

Yeah,a $2M fine for Apple is definitely going to change their behavior.

If you knew anything about blanket insurance you wouldn’t have made such an ignorant statement.

 

[Maconplasma]

Thanks for the advice champ, I reserve the right to complain as a paying customer

And as a paying customer you should make yourself aware of what comes inside the box. It’s your own responsibility.

 

[philosopherdog]

Add to box and increase the price. Simple.

 

[kycophpd]

$2 million?? I would have figured it would be $1 Brazilian dollars.

I’ll keep my day job.

 

[Suckfest 9001]

And as a paying customer you should make yourself aware of what comes inside the box. It’s your own responsibility.

I didn’t buy an iPhone 12, waiting for the 13 or whatever. But thanks for your take on it, wrong as it may be

 

[anek007]

I’ll be upset too. Outside of US. The iPhones easily over $1k. iPhone market outside of US is expensive.

 

[I7guy]

I didn’t buy an iPhone 12, waiting for the 13 or whatever. But thanks for your take on it, wrong as it may be

Wrong as in the consumer doesn’t have to do any research on what they are buying?

 

[LeeW]

I mean it's not up to Apple to decide for everyone what is suitable. If Brazil has consumer laws that were broken, that is an issue for Apple not Brazil.

And I wish Apple would stop with the 'most already have a charger', yes, many do but not one with USB-C. Even if they gave you the option to add one before you click 'add to bag' that would be something, but no.

 

[Suckfest 9001]

I mean it's not up to Apple to decide for everyone what is suitable. If Brazil has consumer laws that were broken, that is an issue for Apple not Brazil.

And I wish Apple would stop with the 'most already have a charger', yes, many do but not one with USB-C. Even if they gave you the option to add one as before you click 'add to bag' that would be something, but no.

Exactly. If you want to sell your stuff in a country you gotta play by their rules. Looking forward to the resolution of other similar investigations/lawsuits surrounding this for other jurisdictions.

Glad there’s at least 1 branch of the government that’s doing its job properly

 

[bousozoku]

Once again, this is great news. I’m glad some countries are at least realizing what a dumb move this is fuelled entirely by financial motivation and nothing to do with environmental impact.

They changed the charger the same time they got rid of it from the box. Tell me more about how we’re supposed to use our existing USBC bricks that we got with our iPhone….?

They sell charger bricks separately in a ton of packaging and at exorbitant prices and they just got called out for it.

Bravo, next country now please.

I see a few people buying the expensive Apple power bricks and I recommend that they buy Anker brand instead.