First, it had to refund customers over the confusion. Then, it had sought to redefine “4G” in Australia similar to what carriers in the United States have done. Now, Apple is facing a rather large fine.
Australia’s federal court has fined Apple for “deliberately” misleading customers on local 4G capabilities of its new iPad. Apple recently agreed to the terms, which included an AU$2.29 million fine and a cool AU$300,000 in costs.
Although Apple claims its new iPad is 4G capable, the tablet can’t connect with existing Australian next-generation networks, only to US-based networks.
Apple offered the aforementioned refunds for any customers that felt deceived and adjusted its advertising to reflect its cellular capabilities, but the judge still deemed that the company had contravened Australia’s consumer law in the ensuing confusion.
Though this is just pocket change to Apple, it nevertheless deals a blow to the company’s efforts to redefine 4G in the country.