When Apple launched their new iPad, the device was advertised as having 4G, even in countries where 4G was not available or where Apple’s iPad was not compatible with those countries’ 4G networks.
Apple has come under scrutiny from regulators in a number of countries, including Australia and the UK. Now, it appears that Apple has decided to stop advertising the new iPad as having 4G in certain countries.
Instead of being listed as WiFi + 4G, Apple has now listed its new iPad as coming with WiFi + Cellular, which you can see in the photo above. It looks like Apple has changed the listings of the device in the US, Canada, UAE, UK, Australia, and more countries.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Consumer Confusion
The decision to change the naming convention comes after significant backlash from both consumers and regulatory bodies. In Australia, for example, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took legal action against Apple, arguing that the advertising was misleading. Consumers were led to believe that they could access 4G networks with the new iPad, which was not the case. Similar concerns were raised in the UK, where the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received numerous complaints.
The issue primarily stemmed from the fact that the 4G LTE bands supported by the new iPad were not compatible with the 4G networks available in these countries. This led to a situation where consumers felt misled, as they were unable to take advantage of the faster network speeds that 4G promised.
Apple’s Response and Rebranding
In response to the criticism, Apple decided to rebrand the device as WiFi + Cellular. This change aims to provide a clearer understanding of the device’s capabilities, ensuring that consumers are not misled about the network compatibility. The term “Cellular” is more generic and accurately reflects the device’s ability to connect to various mobile networks, including 3G and other non-4G networks.
Apple’s decision to rebrand the iPad also highlights the company’s commitment to maintaining consumer trust and adhering to regulatory standards. By making this change, Apple aims to avoid further legal complications and ensure that its marketing practices are transparent and honest.
Apple now offers two versions of the iPad, the iPad 2 and iPad 3. The iPad 3, which was initially marketed as having 4G capabilities, is now more accurately described as having cellular capabilities. This change is reflected in Apple’s marketing materials and product listings across various countries.
For those interested in understanding the differences between the iPad 2 and iPad 3, you can have a look at the difference between the iPad 2 and iPad 3. The iPad 3 offers several improvements over its predecessor, including a higher resolution Retina display, a faster processor, and improved camera capabilities. However, the rebranding to WiFi + Cellular ensures that consumers have a clear understanding of the device’s network capabilities.
In conclusion, Apple’s decision to change the naming of the new iPad from WiFi + 4G to WiFi + Cellular is a significant move aimed at addressing regulatory concerns and consumer confusion. By doing so, Apple demonstrates its commitment to transparency and consumer satisfaction, ensuring that its products are accurately represented in the market.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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