No Charger? Brazil Bans iPhone Sales... Apple "Appeals"

Brazilian Government Imposes Fine Worth 3.2 Billion KRW... "Violation of Consumer Rights"
Apple: "Excluding Chargers Reduces Carbon Emissions Equivalent to 500,000 Vehicles Annually"

The Brazilian government has decided to cancel sales of the iPhone 12 and 13 models, citing that "Apple provided defective products, infringing on consumers' legitimate rights." Previous models are also required to be sold with chargers. Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] Apple, which is about to launch the iPhone 14, has encountered a stumbling block over consumer rights infringement.

According to foreign media including the US IT media The Verge on the 7th, the Brazilian government decided to cancel sales of the iPhone 12 and 13 models on the grounds that "Apple provided defective products and infringed on consumers' legitimate rights." It also took measures to prohibit the sale of older models without chargers.

The Brazilian government also imposed a fine of $2.38 million (approximately 3.28 billion KRW) on Apple as a sanction for consumer damages.

Apple's iPhone.

◆ Apple does not provide 'charger package' for environmental protection reasons

Apple currently does not include chargers and earphones in the iPhone package. This has caused inconvenience for some consumers.

The Brazilian government insists that Apple must correct its "deliberate discriminatory practice against consumers." The essential accessories for using the iPhone should not be excluded during the product sales process.

Apple excluded chargers from the iPhone 12 package when it was released in 2020. The nominal reason was to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. However, the Brazilian government concluded that "there is no evidence that selling smartphones without chargers protects the environment."

In response to the Brazilian government's action, Apple immediately issued a statement expressing its intention to appeal. Apple emphasized, "We consider the impact on people and the planet in everything we do," adding, "Chargers use a lot of zinc and plastic, and by removing them, we have helped reduce carbon emissions by over 2 million metric tons."

This move by the Brazilian government is expected to further narrow Apple's position in the Brazilian market. According to the global market research firm Statista, Apple's iPhone market share in Brazil was about 15% as of last August. Samsung Electronics' Galaxy holds about 40% of the market share in Brazil.

◆ Different iPhone packages by country

Apple's charger package policy has once again come under scrutiny due to the Brazilian government's sanctions. Previously, Apple excluded chargers and earphones from the package for environmental protection reasons, but in France, earphones are included in the iPhone package.

In France, according to laws related to electromagnetic wave regulations, smartphone manufacturers must include a 'hands-free kit' or 'headset' when selling smartphones to protect children under 14 from electromagnetic waves.

Failure to comply results in a fine of 75,000 euros (approximately 106.8 million KRW). Therefore, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models sold in France include Apple's earphones, EarPods.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.