Apple settles iPad 4G name debacle in Australia to the tune of $2.25 million

While here in the U.S., the criteria for using the term 4G can be described as lax, in other parts of the world it’s not ok to slap a 4G claim on any old device. Apple found that out the hard way when it released its iPad 4G in Australia and was immediately met with backlash over the branding.

As you may remember, Australia asked Apple to change the name of the device in its country as to not mislead customers. Initially, Apple attempted to challenge the request in court, but ultimately changed the name of the device to the iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular and offered refunds to Australian customer who felt they were mislead.

iPad signage change

Apparently, the clean up doesn’t stop there. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple has decided to settle its legal dogfight with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to the tune of a $2.25 million AUD, approximately $2.2 USD, fine plus an additional $300,000 AUD ($295,000 USD) directly to the ACCC to cover their expenses.

While the court needs to formally approve the terms before it can all go down, Apple has already said that it will pay the fine. It seems that the Cupertino giant has learned its lesson regarding the loose usage of the term 4G and wants to put all this behind them.

source: The Wall Street Journal via TUAW