Apple backtracks, updates will "most likely break" 3rd party iPhone software

Ouch, that was fast. Apple didn't seem to want to let it get around that they've taken a completely neutral stance on 3rd party application development for the iPhone, and apparently got back with Gearlog to clarify that future iPhone "software updates will most likely break" 3rd party app compatibility. Not ignore, not possibly break -- most likely break. In other words, don't set your hopes too high that the NES games you're enjoying on your iPhone today will be around tomorrow, since it sounds like Apple won't be playing Switzerland after all.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 4:31PM]

You should read more before saying stupid things. Apple proposes to fix the software it produces, this often means changing bit of internal API they use. If third parties dug into the internal Apple code to use these internal APIs, they should be aware that Apple has no time to try to keep backward compatibility for something they don't make public.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 5:43PM]

And you can choose not to download the updates, you know.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 9:19PM]

Since it's YOUR phone, don't do any more software updates. You have what you paid for and you can do whatever you want to it.

An apple rep isn't coming to your house, plugging in your iPhone, and clicking "Update iPhoen Software" for you.

I don't get why people get so upset over this when you can just as easily not update your phone. I love my apps via Installer.app and if an update breaks them, I know in a day or two, the iPhone hackers will update too and thus I can move all my apps back onto my iPhone. I understand why Apple says, "We don't care if our updates interfere with hacks. They probably will."

[tbonet Posted Sep 12th 2007 6:35PM]

It is your phone in that it can't be taken away without due process of law, but the software that runs it is NOT YOURS. You simply have a license to use the software.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 4:17PM]

There were Nazis dude?

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 4:30PM]

If Apple didn't offer this correction, people will expect their apps NOT to break when updates occur, thus they would be disappointed and upset (just as people weren't expecting the iPhone price cut).
By saying that updates will "Likely" break 3rd party apps, if an update does break an app people won't be as upset (because it was expected), on the other hand if it doesn't break they'll be pleasantly surprised.
Lower expectations then exceed them to keep customers happy.
I think Apple realised future updates probably will break apps so they're covering their ass.

bla.st/iphone/

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 4:29PM]

There are more of us.

Prepare to see them pwnt in half if they do break apps on purpose.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 5:21PM]

"If Microsoft introduced a phone, they'd enable third party development out of the box, and any security hole would truly be something to be fixed right away; but they'd still be slammed for it."

umm ... this is one thing that the world needs to know ... SINCE 2002 MICROSOFT HAVE RELEASED ITS POCKET PC ... and since 2003 THEY HAVE BEEN PHONES!!

people buy the iPhone through miss-edicaition "i bought the iphone cuz its the first phone with touch screen" ... BS!!

Windows even offer you a SDK, and give you the ROM with it and an emulator to run the portable operating system inside your PC! Apple really need to learn that there are lots of people out there, who just want the simple things in life, not the APPLE'S IDEA OF A SIMPLE LIFE ... but a life where the user can do what he/she wants! such as playing SNES on a perfectly powerful device.

i can't wait till someone does a hack even further, like releasing the source code (not posisble i know but i can't think of anything else) and well i want to see Jobs go mad with rage. That would really make my day. I'm writing this from a windows mobile device with a keyboard and touch screen FYI ;) have fun iPhone users and please hack to your hearts content! its extremely interesting to read andd figure out :)

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 5:59PM]

They are a bit too late to be changing their minds, www.WhichWebsite.com ??

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 5:35PM]

well this certainly makes me question my purchase of an iPod Touch.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2007 6:46PM]

uh, because it just.. works?