Brazil v. Apple: No Charger, No Sales

Apple was the first to do it. Samsung, after slamming Apple for doing it, then followed suit. We’re talking about phone chargers - or rather, a lack thereof.

It’s been two years since Apple stopped including a phone charger in the box with its phones. When Apple first implemented the change, critics complained. “I spend hundreds of dollars on a new phone and they can’t even give me a charger?”

Others could care less. They have old phone chargers they can use if need be. Even so, Apple has always included a USB charging cable, and these days, USB charging ports are everywhere. Even wall outlets include USB charging ports.

Yet now, apparently, the Brazilian government has had enough. So much so that the Ministry of Justice has ordered Apple to pay a fine of BRL$12,275,500 (approximately US$2.3 million). That’s in addition to fines applied by various state consumer protection agencies since 2020.

But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the fine, the government has suspended the sale of iPhones that are sold without chargers. You read that correctly - Apple is not allowed to sell its phones in Brazil if it doesn’t include a charger in the box.

The question is who does this hurt more - Apple or Brazilian consumers? For all of those Apple lovers out there, this is sure to drive them crazy (or to the nearest black market). Good luck getting your hands on the new iPhone 14 if you’re living in Brazil.