The Brazilian government is not happy with Apple’s decision to stop including chargers from the launch of the iPhone 12 and has commented by suspending local sales of iPhones that don’t come with chargers. In addition to halting some iPhone sales, Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security has also ordered Apple to pay a R$12,275,500 (approximately $2.3 million USD) fine and to register the iPhone 12. at Anatel, the Brazilian telecommunications agency similar to the FCC, has been cancelled.
Brazil’s ban comes just one day before Apple’s Far Out event, where the new iPhone 14 (which likely won’t come with a charger) is expected to be unveiled. Apple can still appeal its decision to ban certain iPhone sales in the country, and it’s unclear if that will happen. Apple did not immediately respond The edge‘s request for comment. According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. PauloIn Brazil, the iPhone 12 is still for sale through Apple’s website.
Brazil’s consumer protection agency, Senacon, says Apple’s decision to ditch the charger is a “burden” for customers and that Apple could find other ways to reduce its environmental impact, such as switching to USB-C. It adds that the lack of a charging brick makes the device “incomplete” and forces customers to make an additional purchase on top of the iPhone itself. The country fined Apple $2 million last year for not including chargers with its iPhone 12 devices, saying the company “has failed to take steps to minimize damage and continues to sell mobile phones.” phones without chargers.”
Apple first announced its plans to drop the charging brick and earbuds — and just a USB-C to Lightning cable — with its iPhones in 2020, citing environmental concerns. The company said excluding the two accessories would reduce the iPhone’s environmental impact by allowing for a smaller box that offsets the carbon footprint. However, some experts believe this move will benefit Apple’s finances more than the environment. Notably, the iPhone 12 was the first device to ship with 5G — and Apple may have looked for other ways to cut costs to offset the expensive new radio frequency components to enable connectivity.
This isn’t the first time Apple has faced trouble in other countries with its decision to stop bundling earbuds and charging bricks with new iPhones. A French law previously required Apple adds earbuds to all devices released in the country but in France passed a law earlier this year that no longer requires mobile companies to include earplugs with their phones. The European Union as a whole is chasing Apple’s use of a patented charger, implementing a new law requiring phone manufacturers to use USB-C ports by 2024. Brazil is also considering a similar change that would make USB-C chargers mandatory.
