We learned that Apple very recently lost a rather surprising lawsuit that, in the long run, could cost a lot of money. Indeed, the case was conducted in Brazil and so far concerned only one consumer. The problem for the Apple company is that thousands (millions?) of users of other brands may also oppose it.
Apple in an uproar
Big companies are used to it : Rarely does a year go by without them being involved in legal matters, ranging from legal duels with a competitor to consumer complaints. Apple is used to it and was also at the center ofa big controversy with Epic Games just a few months ago. The company co-founded by Steve Jobs has also been condemned several times, especially last year.
Apple had to pay several million euros to Brazil last year and early 2022, after the power adapters were removed from the packaging. And it is precisely this precise point that could cost him dearly, after a consumer’s victory in a recent lawsuit.
A condemnation that can lead to others
In late 2020, Apple announced that the AC adapter would now be sold separately of these iPhones, all for ecological purposes. A justification that had not honestly convinced everyone, but which was nevertheless generally accepted. But if this change makes it possible to save money, materials or even carbon, in Brazil, the Consumer Protection Agency of São Paulo believes that this is a violation of the laws in force in the country.
According to the judge hearing the case, It is about a “abuse and illegal business practices, undermine the provisions of the Consumer Protection Code. The CDC aims to protect and guarantee the weaker party in the contractual relationship from abuse.” And if Apple is ultimately only ordered to pay about $1,080, a ridiculous amount for it, that’s what worries him. In reality, this conviction now sets a precedent that could encourage many other consumers to file a complaint as well.
In the end it gets expensive for Apple, which has not yet communicated about the following events: will the AC adapters be included again in the iPhone packs intended for Brazil, or will the company be deprived of a large potential market? Case follows.
