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After Three Years of Judicial Battle, Apple Is Ordered to Reimburse Brazilian for Cracked MacBook Pro Screen, Recognized as Hidden Defect by Justice.
After three years of legal dispute, Apple was ordered to refund the amount spent by a Brazilian customer to repair the cracked screen of a MacBook Pro.
The case involves Érico Damásio Silveira, known as Rick Dam, who purchased the device in August 2021 and claimed a defect unrelated to a fall or impact.
The problem was recognized by the courts as a hidden defect, obligating the company to provide reimbursement.
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Defect Ignored by Warranty
According to the consumer, the MacBook Pro displayed a crack in the LCD while still under warranty.
Even so, Apple refused the free repair, citing “misuse” and excluding coverage. With no other option, Érico spent R$ 4,769.10 to replace the panel at an authorized service center.
Legal Action and Favorable Verdict
Displeased, the customer took legal action in November 2021 seeking reimbursement, compensation for moral damages, and lost profits.
In April 2024, the 36th Civil Court of Belo Horizonte ruled that Apple should refund the amount paid for the repair, as well as R$ 3,500 adjusted with interest.
The judge indicated that the defect was linked to a hidden defect, even mentioning a recall of screens conducted by the manufacturer.
Appeal and Final Decision
Apple appealed the decision but lost again in the second instance.
The process is now in the enforcement phase, with final judgment. The request for lost profits was denied due to lack of evidence.
History of Disputes with Apple
This is not the only case in which Apple faces judicial convictions.
The company has already been ordered to pay US$ 110 million for patent violation and may still face actions in Brazil for alleged abusive practices in the App Store and iOS.
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