By Patrick Avenell
Apple Pty Ltd, the local subsidiary of Apple Incorporated overnight agreed to offer refunds to any new iPad Wi-Fi + 4G consumers who were misled into thinking this tablet computer worked on Australian 4G networks.
In an undertaking to the Federal Court, brought on by action by the ACCC, Apple further agreed to display the following statement in its promotional materials, and on its website and online store:
“This product supports very fast cellular networks. It is not compatible with current Australian 4G LTE networks and WiMAX Networks.”
As of this morning (29 March 2012), this text was not yet being displayed on Apple’s website. Prior to the launch of the iPad Wi-Fi + 4G Apple did, however, tone down its language on speed capabilities, as revealed by Current.com.au.
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Apple has also agreed to furnish its retail partners with signage carrying the same text to its retail partners.
In order to expedite any refunds, Apple must contact all consumers, providing it has their contact details, of the iPad Wi-Fi + 4G to notify them that they are eligible for a refund.
All of these provisions were in response to an “urgent application” by the ACCC, which is also seeking pecuniary penalties, such as a fine, in its case against Apple.
Key Dates:
16 April 2012: Directions hearing
18 April 2012: Mediation
2 May 2012: Liability hearing