Watchdog: “iPad 4G” Row NOT Over

ACCC vow to continue its fight with Apple, despite it pulling “iPad + 4G” claims

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Australia consumer watchdog has vowed to go ahead with its court battle with Apple, whom it accuses of misleading Aussies over its claims its new iPad WiFi model is 4G ready, when this is not the case.

“In its proceedings, the ACCC has alleged that Apple’s use of the descriptor ‘4G’ mislead consumers because it represented to Australian consumers that the product could, with a SIM card, connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia, when this is not the case,” an ACCC spokesperson told SmartHouse.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission took the iPad maker to court in March, alleging Apple claims on “iPad with Wifi + 4G” are “false” and “misleading”.

But although Apple provided undertakings to the Federal Court to do ‘certain things’ to remedy the situation, it continued to use the descriptor ‘4G’ in advertisments for the cult tablet, the ACCC noted.

The iPad maker agreed to publish a clarification that states the tab  supports ultra-fast 3G mobile networks but not 4G, and offer refunds to mislead consumers.

It also emerged yesterday Apple had finally pulled its iPad + 4G claims from website after various discussions with the watchdog over the new iPad name.

However, the latest backtrack isn’t enough tot save the Cupertino giant from the wrath of the Federal court and the watchdog, it appears.

“Any move by Apple to cease using the descriptor of ‘4G’ will mitigate against the ACCC’s concerns but will not deal with any past conduct,” the spokesperson continued.

“The proceedings brought by the ACCC are continuing,” he added, with the trial is due to kick off 4 June next.

Apple could face a major fine if the watchdog succeeds in its case. 

The giant previously denied any wrongdoing, claiming: “the iPad with WiFi + 4G is a device which performs in accordance with the descriptor ‘4G’ in terms of data transfer speed.”

Read: Apple: iPad 3 IS 4G (on 3G)