Apple's iPhones are now the center of controversy in Brazil, particularly as a regulator called "Procon-DF" has recently seized the Cupertino smartphones from being sold in retail stores. It is a part of "Operation Discharge," and it took Apple products from retail stores, including carrier companies and authorized resellers, off its shelves.
The reason behind this is Apple's initial suspension from selling its iPhones without power bricks on its boxes, something which the company was already fined for, but did not comply with the regulation.
Brazil's Operation Discharge Seized iPhones After Violation
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
TechnoBlog first reported the recent incident in Brazil, particularly as a Federal District-based consumer protection regulator, Procon-DF, went as far as to seize the iPhones from retail stores for its recent violation. Apple has indeed violated another law of the country's consumer rights, especially as the new iPhones and older ones still did not ship with the power bricks in its box.
This is part of the regulator's "Operation Discharge" which aims to send a message to Apple regarding its compliance with Brasilia, a city in Brazil, and its laws regarding this matter.
Nevertheless, hundreds of iPhones were taken from carrier stores and retail locations, including Apple-authorized resellers in the area.
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Brazilian Judge: Procon-DF Abused its Power?
As noted by 9to5Mac, Judge Diego Câmara Alves allowed Apple to continue its operations to sell the iPhones without power bricks, giving them until the end of the final ruling for its suspension. Judge Alves said that the regulators were "abusing its powers" with the recent action they took against Apple, especially in taking down iPhones from stores.
Apple iPhones in the International Market
Apple saw massive controversy in its recent decision to remove some of the packaged accessories for the iPhone, particularly with the exclusion of the wired headphones, EarPods, and the power brick adaptor. One of the most known cases was with France, one which already faced a lawsuit before with which the Cupertino company already complied to avoid another settlement.
It is known that its shipment of iPhone 12 and 13 series saw EarPods available in the box, and one of the countries that had these in their iPhone purchases.
However, it was also not well-received by other countries, and it is with Brazil's dispute against Apple's removal of the power adaptors, something which resulted in fines and settlements to its affected customers. The power brick is a big deal for Brazilians, but Apple already removed this in the package in 2020, when the iPhone 12 was released.
It has been two years since the United States and the rest of the world not received any EarPods and power bricks from Apple, but there are still countries who push against this decision from the company. Brazil's latest move against Apple was massive, especially in confiscating hundreds of iPhones from retail stores to enforce its iron hand in the situation.
Related Article: Apple Gets Fined in Brazil (Again) for Selling iPhones Without Chargers
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Written by Isaiah Richard
