Apple is set to launch its next-generation iPhone 14 series, Apple Watch Series 8, AirPods Pro and more later this evening. Despite the excitement, Apple has some bad news to take care of. Brazil has banned the sale of iPhones without chargers and won’t allow future sales until Apple addresses the adapters.
Brazil bans iPhone sales
A Brazilian court order has banned the sale of iPhone 12 and older models, which do not include a charging adapter in the box. Previously, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security fined Apple BRL 12.275 million (approximately 18 reais).
The fine was imposed because Apple was not providing full products to its customers. The Brazilian minister also accused Apple of deliberately “discriminating against customers”.
As part of the brand’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and e-waste, Apple has stopped shipping charging stations with the iPhone 12 in 2020. However, Brazilian authorities have rejected Apple’s argument that there is no evidence that selling smartphones without chargers is environmentally friendly.
The Brazilian court order comes just before the launch of the iPhone 14. Like the previous generations, Apple is rumored to skip the charging adapter for the upcoming smartphones. Whether or not the Brazilian market will receive the new iPhone 14 models remains to be seen.
Read more about the Apple Far Out event and the expected launch
Apple to challenge the Brazilian court order
Meanwhile, according to a Reuters report, an Apple spokesperson said they will contest the Brazilian court order. Apple will reportedly continue to work with Brazil’s consumer protection agency Senacon to resolve their concerns.
Apple has won several court decisions in Brazil on the same issue, according to the report. “We are confident that our customers will be familiar with the various options for charging and connecting their devices,” the report said.
Reports suggest that Apple may start charging the 10th Gen iPad Air with a USB Type-C port to meet the growing demand for universal chargers. It’s unclear if Apple will offer the same for iPhones, as it is said to be working on a portless handset.
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