Apple Fined $20 Million For Selling iPhones Without Charger

A Brazilian court in Sao Paulo fined Apple Inc. a sum of $20 million for selling iPhones without battery chargers. 

Investors King learnt that the court which sat at Sao Paulo in Brazil ruled that the company commits abusive practices by selling its flagship product without a charger.

The association of borrowers, consumers and taxpayers which filed the lawsuit argued that the American multinational company was wrong for selling its product without the full kit which customers paid for.

Part of the ruling read “It is evident that, under the justification of a ‘green initiative,’ the defendant imposes on the consumer a required purchase of charger adaptors that were previously supplied along with the product,”

However, Apple, on the other hand, argued that it stopped including outlet chargers with new iPhones in October 2020 because it believed it will help to reduce electronic waste. Apple thereafter stated that it will appeal the decision.

The ruling which was delivered by Judge Caramuru Afonso Francisco ordered that Apple should supply chargers to all consumers in Brazil who bought iPhone models 12 or 13 in the past two years and begin including them with all new purchases.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament has passed a law requiring all smartphones to use USB-C ports as the single charger.

The ruling which will be effective starting from late 2024 could mandate iPhone to rethink its design. 

The parliament further noted that starting from 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. 

The ruling is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices. The law however will only apply to EU customers.

Our correspondent learnt the ruling was adopted with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstain.

When it becomes effective, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device. 

Regardless of the manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, and earbuds will be equipped with a USB Type-C port.