X

Apple in further scuffle with ASA over iPad 4G claims

Apple is in more hot water with the Advertising Standards Authority regarding its continued claims that the new iPad offers 4G data speeds.

Andrew Lanxon Editor At Large, Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
Expertise Smartphones, Photography, iOS, Android, gaming, outdoor pursuits Credentials
  • Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022
See full bio
Andrew Lanxon
2 min read

The ASA has been delving into Apple's advertising policies concerning the new iPad, and it's still not happy about it being sold as '4G', the BBC reports.

The latest iteration of Apple's slate proudly boasts of its super-fast 4G data speeds. The problem with that is that 4G isn't available here in good old Blighty just yet and even when the day comes that it is, it won't be compatible with the iPad. This has caused something of a stir among British Apple customers who have complained to the ASA, demanding Apple alter its advertising policies.

Apple reckons it's removed references to the 4G version, the ASA told the Beeb, but if you pop over to Apple's UK store, it's pretty plain to see that it hasn't. 4G connectivity is very much the name of the game on the iPad's page, and it's only once you scroll to the small print at the bottom of the page that you'll find out it's only available in the States. It's exactly this that the ASA is miffed about.

It's quite understandable that many people have bought the new tablet expecting super-fast data speeds, not aware that we don't have 4G yet -- after all, not everyone is as clued up about tech as regular CNET UK readers. It's a similar situation to what we've already seen in Australia, where a court forced Apple to offer refunds to customers who mistakenly bought the 4G model.

I've reached out to Apple to clarify its stance and to see whether it intends to offer a similar refund here in sunny England -- when I hear back, you'll be the first to know.

What can you do in the meantime? Well, if you're one of the many who've bought an iPad expecting 4G data and you're upset about it, then head over to the ASA and lodge your complaint too -- the more names on the list, the stronger the case it will have to make Apple take action.

If on the other hand you bought the new slate for its amazing screen then sit back, download some apps and enjoy the swipey delights it offers. Let me know where you stand on Apple advertising the iPad as 4G in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.