[1]Here are your Apple rumors[2] and AAPL news items for Wednesday:
Apple May Offer Aussie iPad Refund: In light of consumer complaints that Apple’s new iPad is unable to sync[3] with Australian 4G networks, the tech giant is considering a mass consumer refund. Bloomberg reports that Apple has just announced it may offer Australian purchasers of the new iPad a full refund[4] following broad dissatisfaction with the tablet’s telecom compatibility. It remains to be seen, though, whether that could prove a setback for Apple against tablet competitors Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN[5]) and Barnes & Noble (NYSE:BKS[6]).
Tim Cook Meets With Chinese Vice-Premier: As part of an ongoing corporate diplomacy mission[7], Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL[8]) CEO Tim Cook has started holding talks with Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang. The Wall Street Journal reports that the second day of Cook’s PR mission to China was centered on fostering strong relations[9] between the Apple board and China’s most likely future leader. The CEO’s much-publicized visit seems explicitly political: Positive communication with the figurehead slated to become the leader of the world’s largest market[10] for Apple handhelds may prove crucial in light of ongoing legal difficulties[11] with China.
Taiwanese Firm Makes Aggressive Bid for Apple TV: Following rapid development of Apple’s streaming-content product, Taiwanese tech manufacturer Hon Hai Precision (PINK:HNHAF[12]) has made clear intentions to be a key Apple TV manufacturing partner. As Reuters reports, Hon Hai’s aggressive business move[13] may be angled toward snatching a manufacturing pact from Korean competitor LG Display (NYSE:LPL[14]), and could begin a shift at Apple in working more closely with Hon Hai.
Adam Patterson is an Assistant Editor of InvestorPlace. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities[15]. For more from the company, check out our previous Apple Rumors[16] stories.