Soon after the new third generation iPad was launched, residents of other countries complained that Apple"s claims of the iPad having "4G" wireless support were incorrect. North American buyers can connect to 4G LTE networks on Verizon or AT&T, but other countries cannot because their wireless network"s frequencies are different.
In Australia, Apple has already offered to give iPad owners there a refund if they felt mislead by the 4G claims. Now it looks like Apple is making even more changes, perhaps as a way to avoid any legal actions against the company. As first spotted by 9to5Mac.com, the Apple online store has now changed how the iPad with both Wi-Fi and wireless data network support is branded.
Instead of the previous "Wi-Fi + 4G", the new iPad models that connect to mobile phone wireless networks have been rebranded as having "Wi-Fi + Cellular" support. The older iPad 2 still has the "Wi-Fi + 3G" branding.
This change is apparently being made worldwide, including in the US. In addition, the Australian Apple store has an additional message:
This product supports very fast cellular networks. 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.
In addition to the online store, Apple retail stores have now changed their signage to reflect the new Wi-Fi + Cellular branding.
Image via Apple