AUSTRALIA: Apple Offers iPAD Refunds 4G Non Compatibility

Our favourite tech behemoth Apple is once again in an übergadget pickle.  The beheomoth has been forced to offer a refund to people who bought its new iPAD, which it admits is not compatible with Australia’s Telstra 4G network. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – ACCC – has taken legal action against Apple for what it claims are misleading statements over its new iPad.

Lawyers for the ACCC have accused Apple of breaching consumer law by promoting the device as being able to connect to high-speed 4G mobile networks using a sim card. The Federal Court heard Apple ignored warnings from the ACCC and was told the day before the iPad’s launch that it was misleading consumers.

ABC.net court correspondent Sarah Farnsworth reported that Apple’s lawyers argued it was never specified the iPad could connect to Telstra’s network, but told the court the device is compatible with other networks that by international standards are deemed 4G. Apple has agreed to publish a clarification that states the product supports ultra-fast mobile networks but is not compatible with the Telstra network.

Apple says it will email purchasers offering a refund if they believe they have been misled. Clarifications will also be made at point of sale. Apple has entered into discussions with the watchdog and will return to the Melbourne Federal Court this afternoon. The latest case is not the first time Apple’s technology has landed in Australia’s courts.

APPLE vs SAMSUNG: Apple is locked in a legal battle with rival Samsung over tablet patents, part of a wider global tussle over supremacy of the $100 billion market.

source: accc

source: abc.net