A Brazilian court has fined Apple $19 million for "social damages" caused by selling an iPhone without a charger. In addition to the fine, the company was obliged to issue free chargers to all iPhone buyers in Brazil who purchased a smartphone after November 13, 2020, and to sell subsequent phones with a charger in the kit.

The litigation was initiated by the Brazilian Association of Borrowers, Consumers, and Taxpayers (AMBCC) after Apple stopped packing the charger with the iPhone with the release in the country. The company explained its decision by concern for the environment: many customers already have chargers, and it makes no sense to put additional ones in the box.

The court was not satisfied with Apple's explanation. As stated in the ruling:

"Clearly, under the pretext of a 'green initiative', the defendant is forcing the consumer to purchase adapters for chargers that were previously supplied with the product."

This is not the first time Apple has been fined in Brazil for selling an iPhone without a charger. The company was already fined $2.34 million in early September for selling an "incomplete product" and "deliberately discriminatory practices against consumers."

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