Apple Was Fined $2 Million In Brazil For Not Including Chargers With iPhone 12

Apple Was Fined $2 Million In Brazil For Not Including Chargers With iPhone 12


March 24, 2021 | Eul Basa

Apple Was Fined $2 Million In Brazil For Not Including Chargers With iPhone 12


Apple is under fire after Procon-SP, a Brazil consumer protection agency in São Paulo, penalized the tech giant for removing chargers in shipped iPhone 12 packaging. The agency, which handed out the US$2 million fine last week, accused Apple of "misleading advertising, selling a device without the charger, and unfair terms."

When Apple first launched the iPhone 12, they announced that they would not be including a charger in the box, citing environmental concerns and a desire to reduce its overall impact. The company claimed that excluding the charger would reduce the box size, allowing it to reduce annual carbon emissions and ship more units at a time.

They also pointed out that there were approximately 700 million Lightning-to-USB cables and two billion iPhone chargers already available, so they felt it was unnecessary to introduce more of them with their latest launch. The company then proceeded to ship the new iPhone 12 with only a Lightning cable. Currently, chargers are sold separately by Apple for US$40 each, which converts to around 219 Brazilian real.

 

A few months later, Procon-SP began to question Apple's motives. They asked Apple execs to further elaborate on their decision to remove the charger and if they could provide statistical data to demonstrate that the removal would actually have a positive impact on the environment. They also asked Apple if they ended up lowering the price of the iPhone 12 due to the resultant cost-savings.

Apple did not respond to all of these inquiries, and any responses they did give "never offered a convincing explanation," according to follow-up reports.

"Apple needs to understand that in Brazil there are solid laws and institutions for consumer protection," said Fernando Capez, Procon-SP's executive director. "It needs to respect these laws and these institutions."

Back when Apple started to remove EarPods from their mobile phones, they were hit with an $89,000 fine from France. Apparently, that was enough to convince Apple to reintroduce Earpods into the packaging. Procon-SP hopes that their hefty fine will also make Apple reconsider shipping the Lightning cables and chargers together.


READ MORE

I'm 61 and addicted to shopping online. Can I still retire with dignity?

A 61-year-old struggling with an online shopping addiction asks: “Can I still retire with dignity?” This engaging, practical guide explores how overspending impacts retirement, how to break compulsive shopping habits, and actionable steps to regain financial control while still enjoying life. Perfect for readers seeking financial wellness, retirement readiness, and smart behavior-change strategies.
December 2, 2025 Jack Hawkins
a man from wichita

Students Say These Are The Worst College Towns In America Right Now

What makes a college town go from charming to downright frustrating? Across the country, students are running into places where the vibe feels off and daily life creates more headaches than memories.
December 2, 2025 Peter Kinney

I took a cash advance to buy Beanie Babies. Why am I poor now?

A hilarious yet relatable first-person finance story about taking a cash advance to buy Beanie Babies—and ending up broke. Learn why high-interest debt and collectible hype don’t mix, and discover practical, empowering steps to recover financially, avoid future money traps, and rebuild confidence with smart, sustainable habits. Perfect for readers who love humor, personal finance lessons, and nostalgic chaos.
December 2, 2025 Jack Hawkins
Middle Class Fb

It's Not Just America, The Middle Class Everywhere Feel Their Footing Slipping

Every purchase now involves a bit more calculation. Plans adjust around rising costs, and the space between income and comfort feels narrower than anyone expected.
December 2, 2025 Alex Summers
Buisness Women Fb

They're Called The Quiet Rich, What Do They Know That We Don't?

Some paths don’t need applause. A handful of people figure out how to build their cushion by keeping life smooth. Their ideas grow naturally because the noise never gets in the way.
December 2, 2025 Alex Summers
Rejecting Pay Cut

My boss begged me to take a pay to prove my loyalty. Half the team already said yes. What happens if I say no?

It’s one of those moments that makes the whole office go quiet. Your boss calls a meeting and drops the line: “We’re asking everyone to take a temporary pay cut—as a show of loyalty”. You glance around. A few people nod, some even agree on the spot. Suddenly, you’re not just thinking about your paycheck; you’re thinking about how saying “no” might look. In a world where companies talk about “team spirit” and “shared sacrifice,” it’s easy to wonder if loyalty still means doing more for less. But what happens when the request crosses the line between commitment and compliance?
December 2, 2025 Marlon Wright


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team