Apple confirms $2 fee for 802.11n upgrade

Accounting rules indeed to blame

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

19th January 2007 10:38 GMT

Apple has decided it's not going to charge $5 to enable owners of Macs with 802.11n-capable Wi-Fi adaptors to use the new wireless technology, it's going ask they cough up $2 instead, the company has confirmed.

an Apple spokeswoman told CNET the company will indeed charge for the 802.11n enabler code, as previously reported. The fee will be $1.99.

She also confirmed earlier claims that the small fee was necessitated by US accounting regulations. "The nominal distribution fee for the 802.11n software is required in order for Apple to comply with generally accepted accounting principles for revenue recognition, which generally require that we charge for significant feature enhancements, such as 802.11n, when added to previously purchased products," she said in a statement.

Apple launched the first 802.11n-equipped Mac last autumn. However, they only operate to the 802.11g specification. Last week at Macworld Expo, Apple announced its AppleTV iTunes-to-TV box and a new AirPort Extreme base-station. Both will feature 802.11n, it said. ®