Apple Forced to Include Power Adapter in iPhone Box in Brazil

It appears as though Apple is now being forced to include the removed power adapter in new iPhone boxes the company sells in Brazil. This year, Apple faced criticism over its decision to remove all accessories from the box this year. The Brazilian state of São Paulo has decided to put its foot down and push back.

Procon-SP, a consumer protection agency in São Paulo confirmed the news that the company has reached out to Apple asking for clarification on the removal of the power adapter. The agency worked under the assumption that many consumers expect an essential component of being included in the box.

In the past, Apple has often cited that it wishes to lower the “environmental impact” by not including the power adapter and earbuds when selling a new iPhone. According to the company, there are more than 700 million Lightning headphones and 2 billion power adapters out in the wild already. Procon-SP asked Apple to provide clear data that the removal of such accessories would not compromise the consumer experience and have a positive impact on the environment.

Apple’s response once again noted the current amount of accessories that have already been sold and its wished to lower carbon emissions. Procon-SP appeared to be unsatisfied with the response. The agency believes that the power adapter is an essential piece of hardware next to the iPhone and not including one in the box goes against the Brazilian Consumer Defense Code. Without sufficient evidence that Apple seeks environmental gain, Apple has until today to respond before being fined in Brazil.

The decision to force Apple to include a power adapter in the box is currently in effect in São Paulo. However, according to 9to5Mac, Brazil’s National Consumer Secretary is considered whether to force Apple to include the accessory nationwide.

A similar situation occurred in France, where Apple was forced to ship the iPhone 12 with the Lightning cable and earbuds. Failure to have done so would have resulted in a fine of 75,000 euros.

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