Techdirt: Stories Of iBricks Scaring Users Away From Apple Security Patches

Apples iPhone Policies and Mishandled Updates

Apple does such a tremendous job at designing and producing incredible products, but continues to make decisions that alienate it's most enthusiastic customers and proponents.

I understand Apples' concern for reliability of the iPhone and it's services. This is one of the fundamental historic benefits of Apple products. They control everything, so their products generally work better than those who allow for more customization and creativity by vendors and end users.

It's difficult to understand though, why iPhone customizers are upset with Apple now that their "customized" phones are dead. They knew how Apple operates, and that the recent 1.1.1 update would "brick" their phones. They are upset, but the responsibility is theirs.

I do beleive Apple should have a more reasonable and flexible policy for 3rd party software and services. It could enhance the iPhone greatly. But they don't. I think it's partially because Jobs is just a control freak. He happens to have a couple of good practical reasons to justify it, no matter how extreme.
In the words of former Redskins All Pro, John Riggins, "Come on Stevie boy, loosin' up baby". You can go to middle ground, have a VERY stringent testing requirement. Put the onus on developers and still control the quality of your product. You guys don't have the resources to develop all the features, software and services that your brilliant products produce demand for. You guys create markets. Don't kill 'em!
Dr Dave