Two days ago we noted Apple had promised the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) to clarify the marketing for the new iPad’s “4G” connectivity options on the company’s Australian website. With the ACCC alleging that Apple was misleading Australian customers in thinking the iPad would be compatible with Telstra’s 4G network, and Apple replying that Australian networks were “misnamed”, Apple agreed to resolve the dispute by clarifying marketing, contacting customers, and sending new signage to resellers by April 5th.
As noted by The Next Web, Apple has begun making these changes by updating the description of 4G compatibility on its Australian online store, clarifying that the new iPad “supports very fast cellular networks” but that it is not “compatible with current Australian 4G LTE networks and WiMAX networks”. We’ve captured the differences in the screenshot below.
Other international stores, however, including the UK and Italy ones, are still reporting the old description for the iPad WiFi + 4G model, and it’s unclear whether the changes made in Australia will propagate automatically to other countries, or if more lawsuits by local consumer protection organizations will be necessary. Complaints are indeed taking hold in various European countries as well.
As Apple is seemingly making true on its promise to clarify marketing terms and offer a refund to customers, the ACCC is still pushing for a full trial in early May.
