August 30, 2025 – Yesterday, Android Headline, a well – known tech media outlet, reported that a recent ruling by the Frankfurt Court in Germany has dealt a blow to Apple’s marketing claims. The court decided that Apple can no longer promote its Apple Watches sold in Germany as truly “carbon neutral” products.
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving a net – zero emission state by cutting down on one’s own greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting the remaining emissions.
Since the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in September 2023, Apple has been touting them as the company’s first batch of carbon – neutral products. Later, the Apple Watch Series 10, when paired with a Braided Solo Loop, Sport Loop, or Milanese Loop band, was also included in the carbon – neutral category.
According to Apple’s published data, an Apple Watch has a carbon footprint of about 8 kilograms of carbon dioxide, which represents an 80% reduction compared to 2015. The company has employed various strategies to lower emissions, such as using low – carbon electricity, prioritizing sea freight over air freight, and incorporating recycled and renewable materials. To deal with the remaining emissions, Apple has purchased high – quality carbon credits to reach net – zero emissions.
However, this move by Apple did not sit well with German environmental activists. They raised objections and filed a lawsuit with the German court. The court concluded that Apple’s description of the product as carbon – dioxide neutral in its advertisements was likely to mislead consumers, although it did not disclose the specific legal reasons behind the ruling.
