(Doesn’t WP7 have springy lists? Not that it matters, really.)
Apple certainly is in a position to not allow arbitrary software. That said, I’m not all that sure whether that’s – all things considered – a net plus for Apple.
Jailbreaking isn’t all that hard and has generally always been possible. Apple could easily make it about as hard to unlock iOS devices.
There is this iPhone Configuration Utility from Apple which allows anyone to, for example, configure their iPhone to access some peculiarly configured 802.1X. You have to download it from some obscure support webpage, Apple doesn’t market it anywhere. They could add a switch in there somewhere (hard to find, for sure) to unlock iOS devices, complete with a big scary red warning label†.
They could limit your warranty when you unlock (and, for example, kick you out of warranty when you can’t restore iOS to its default state). They could refuse to answer software related support questions. It would nevertheless be an improvement and bring them a lot of good will.
It’s clear that Apple wants a device that by default only allows their software or software they approve. It’s clear that they don’t want to support any other devices. But couldn’t they still get that and nevertheless allow anyone who want to to unlock?
What do they fear?
—
† I’m adding detail and color to show that this is a realistic scenario and it wouldn’t be a wholly extreme change on Apple’s part.
Apple certainly is in a position to not allow arbitrary software. That said, I’m not all that sure whether that’s – all things considered – a net plus for Apple.
Jailbreaking isn’t all that hard and has generally always been possible. Apple could easily make it about as hard to unlock iOS devices.
There is this iPhone Configuration Utility from Apple which allows anyone to, for example, configure their iPhone to access some peculiarly configured 802.1X. You have to download it from some obscure support webpage, Apple doesn’t market it anywhere. They could add a switch in there somewhere (hard to find, for sure) to unlock iOS devices, complete with a big scary red warning label†.
They could limit your warranty when you unlock (and, for example, kick you out of warranty when you can’t restore iOS to its default state). They could refuse to answer software related support questions. It would nevertheless be an improvement and bring them a lot of good will.
It’s clear that Apple wants a device that by default only allows their software or software they approve. It’s clear that they don’t want to support any other devices. But couldn’t they still get that and nevertheless allow anyone who want to to unlock?
What do they fear?
—
† I’m adding detail and color to show that this is a realistic scenario and it wouldn’t be a wholly extreme change on Apple’s part.