After reaching a $250 million settlement in the U.S. over allegations of misleading customers about delayed Apple Intelligence and Siri functionalities, Apple is now under similar examination in Brazil. Here are the specifics.
### Apple’s troubles with Apple Intelligence advertisements persist
As reported by Tecnoblog, Procon Carioca, Rio de Janeiro’s consumer protection agency, has allotted Apple 20 days to reply to a query regarding whether it deceived consumers with promotions for iPhone 16 AI features that remain unfulfilled.
Last Friday, May 8, Procon Carioca initiated an administrative process to examine potential omission, failure to meet an offer, and breach of the obligation to provide clear, sufficient, and prominent information. Such actions are forbidden under Brazil’s Consumer Protection Code.
This development follows a U.S. class action settlement in which Apple consented to pay $250 million to address claims concerning the availability of the more tailored Siri features initially disclosed at WWDC 2024.
Last December, Apple agreed to resolve the dispute, and last Tuesday, the complete settlement terms received initial approval. Under these terms, eligible iPhone purchasers in the U.S. are anticipated to receive about $25 per device, although that amount could escalate to as high as $95 depending on the number of claim submissions.
Regarding the Procon Carioca inquiry, Tecnoblog states that the consumer protection agency is requesting Apple to supply several details, including:
– Which features were indeed delivered at launch?
– How was this information conveyed to Brazilian consumers?
– Which advertising materials were presented in the nation?
– What is the timeline for implementing the promised features?
– Data on consumer grievances and the number of individuals impacted.
– Actions taken or intended to ensure corrections and potential compensation.
Apple was granted 20 days from the May 8 notification to address the inquiry. Tecnoblog also mentions that it contacted Apple, but the company declined to comment on the matter.