Apple Faces Another Fine in Brazil Over iPhone Charger Policy

Apple has been fined approximately $20,000 by Brazilian consumer protection authorities in the state of Alagoas for continuing to sell iPhones without including a power adapter in the box. This marks the latest instance of regulatory scrutiny over Apple’s decision, initially made in 2020, to discontinue providing chargers with new iPhone purchases.

Consumer Protection Concerns

The state’s consumer protection watchdog, Procon-AL, argues that the absence of a charger constitutes a violation of Brazil’s Consumer Defense Code. Regulators contend that excluding the power adapter places an undue burden on consumers, forcing them to purchase a necessary accessory separately [9to5Mac]. Procon-AL believes this practice violates principles of excellent faith, transparency, and acknowledges consumer vulnerability.

Fine Details and Aggravating Factors

The initial fine was set at around $12,000 (R$60,976.50), but was later increased to roughly $20,000 (R$101,627.50) due to “aggravating factors” under Brazilian regulations, including Apple’s perceived lack of effort to resolve the complaint [9to5Mac]. The authorities also cited a violation of the consumer protection code [nttv.com.br].

History of Fines in Brazil

This is not the first time Apple has faced penalties in Brazil over this issue. In 2022, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice ordered a suspension of iPhone sales in the country due to the same practice [9to5Mac]. Prior to that, in 2021, Apple was fined approximately $2 million for the same reason.

Apple’s Options

Apple’s Brazilian subsidiary has 20 days to appeal the decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the fine amount will be adjusted based on Brazil’s IPCA-E inflation index [9to5Mac].

Financial Impact

Based on Apple’s Q1 2026 financial results, which reported $143.8 billion in revenue, the $20,000 fine represents a negligible fraction of the company’s global income – roughly equivalent to one second of revenue [appleinsider.com].