Technology giant Apple has offered refunds to tens of thousands of customers, after the consumer watchdog said its marketing had misled consumers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) hit out at Apple for misleading consumers in a marketing promotion, which said “iPad with WiFi + 4G”. The ACCC said this was deceptive because it suggested incorrectly that Australians can connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia with a SIM card.
Apple said the 4G claims were driven out of the US market, with no consideration of the Australian market.
The company has been forced to offer refunds to the consumers who have already purchased the latest iPad.
After a speedy court battle with the ACCC yeserday, Apple has agreed to display advertising in its stores by 5pm next Thursday which tells consumers the new iPad is not compatible with Australian 4G networks.
The ACCC unsuccessfully tried to have corrective stickers put on Apple's boxes at point of sale.
Despite the measures undertaken by Apple, the company could still face a hefty fine for misleading the public. A hearing in the Federal Court is set for 2 May.
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