Apple Audit Finds Nearly 100,000 Working iPhones Were Stolen, Shipped to China Instead of Scrapped

A recent investigative report unveils a startling revelation about Apple's recycling practices.

Bloomberg's report says that roughly 100,000 iPhones, initially destined for disposal, were reportedly stolen and diverted to China for resale. This practice challenges Apple's dedication to sustainability and ethical recycling practices, raising concerns about its environmental stance.

The Contract and Alleged Theft

Apple contracted an external company, GEEP, to dispose of older devices through shredding, despite many being fully functional and suitable for resale. An audit uncovered that almost 100,000 working iPhones, among other devices, were unlawfully shipped to China instead of being scrapped as intended.

Apple Sues GEEP For Contract Breach

In response, Apple initiated legal action against GEEP for breaching the contract. However, the lawsuit has stalled, and Apple's silence on the matter suggests a reluctance to address the discrepancy between its environmental claims and actual practices.

The incident sparked industry-wide astonishment and criticism, as it contradicted Apple's vision of embracing environmental sustainability.

Critics argue that the disposal of usable devices undermines the Cupertino giant's green initiatives and prioritizes profit over ethical recycling.

Apple Defends Recycling Practices

While the iPhone maker declined to comment directly on the allegations, it emphasized advancements in recycling technologies and reiterated its dedication to product longevity and refurbishment.

The introduction of Daisy, an advanced recycling robot, symbolizes Apple's efforts to enhance its recycling program despite skepticism regarding its efficacy.

Behind the Scenes

Despite outward displays of Apple being carbon-neutral by the next decade, reports suggest that the company's recycling partners continue to dispose of functional devices.

Witnesses recount scenes of AirPods, Macs, and Watches being destroyed, raising questions about the sincerity of Apple's environmental pledges.

Industry experts and advocates, such as Kyle Wiens of iFixit, condemn the wasteful disposal of usable devices and call for legislative action to prohibit such practices, 9to5Mac reports. The controversy surrounding Apple's recycling methods signals the need for greater transparency and accountability in the electronics industry.

Just last week, Apple revealed some changes in its repair program. The initiative will benefit both the repair providers and, of course, their customers in fixing iPhone models.

The new policy targets extending the lifespan of the devices to pave the way for a decrease in their environmental impact.

Moreover, the pairing process has been implemented for used parts. Apple is also transparent about the repair history of the device by giving the new owners access to its information.

With Apple's goal to expand this initiative globally, it will only take some time before it becomes officially accessible in some parts of the world.