Apple is getting itself into really deep water for promoting the new iPad as 4G compatible worldwide. It's not. It's only compatible with 4G networks in the US and Canada.
Apple has already been forced to offer refunds to customers in Australia after being taken to court by regulators and it's looking increasingly likely action will be taken in other countries as well.
Apple is insisting on stamping 4G on packaging and advertising the new iPad as 4G in every country it's released.
In the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority has confirmed to Pocket-lint that it has received complaints and is investigating:
“We are aware of the news from Australia regarding the iPad 4G marketing claim,” an ASA spokeswoman told us. “Without going through due process we can't say whether the [UK] ad is likely to be problematic. If anyone has concerns about the iPad ad then they can lodge a complaint with us and we will establish whether or not there is a problem under the Code.”There is no 4G network yet in the UK and, under current plans, the new iPad won't even work on 4G in the UK when it is up and running.
Update: The Swedish Consumer Agency has confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that it, too, is considering launching an investigation into whether Apple's 4G advertising is misleading.
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