Apple Forced to Highlight iPad Incompatibility with LTE Outside U.S.


One of the new iPad’s major selling points was its 4G LTE speeds, which Apple highlighted in its advertisements both in North America and around the globe. Unfortunately, this angered carriers in Australia and Europe, because the third generation iPad does not connect at 4G speeds on networks outside of the U.S. and Canada.

After the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s official complaint against Apple for false advertising, Apple went ahead and removed the 4G specification from its advertisements in the country, and even went so far as to offer refunds to consumers who purchased the new iPads believing they could get LTE speeds.

Today, Apple went one step further, clarifying text on its website that states that the 4G version of new iPad does not work with LTE networks in australia.

“This product supports very fast cellular networks,” reads the disclaimer. “It is not compatible with current Australian 4G LTE networks and WiMAX networks. For service from a wireless carrier, sign up for a simple, month-by-month plan on your iPad and cancel anytime without penalty.”

Furthermore, the fine print now reads, “This model can roam worldwide on fast cellular data networks, including HSPA, HSPA+, and DC-HSDPA.”

Both Sweden and the U.K. have said that they are looking into the matter of false advertising, and may follow up with similar requests, asking Apple to clarify that the 4G connectivity is limited to North America.

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