<![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty! - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty! - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> I remember back in 2002 when the first Orange SPV was released and it was application locked, people got annoyed at it so from then on all windows mobile smartphones have been application unlocked and people are happy. So maybe the next iPhone will be application unlocked, i don't really see what Apple has to loose as long as it isn't SIM unlocked.

vidaesunlibro

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> You really think that "Indian givers" is appropriate on this site? WTF?

James Cooper - Information Architect

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Imagine... Microsoft has put similiar clause for Windows. All we will be doing is playing Minesweeper, using Paint for all photoshopping and using IE for browsing. NFS, Photoshop and Mozilla will break the warranty of your Windows Box.

Himanshu Jain

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> This definately has "Sony PSP Homebrew" battle written all over it again..

I wrote up a great comparision article on comparing the iPhone vs. PSP and third party hacks

Check it out here: [blog.monkeykit.com]

monkeykit

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> The key words are:
"you won't be covered if your iPhone bricks for whatever reason"

And Willyolio...quit complaining...I'd rather have an iPhone that I know will work, than a potential brick in my pocket any day.


richard8a

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> apple, all about user-friendliness, eh?

it's always been bullshit, but it's just a little more obvious now.

willyolio

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> May I ask what the source is for this information about 3rd party applications voiding warranties? We've all seen the story about the eager genius blacklisting someone from service, but even that was resolved amicably. Apple's seemingly intentional use of the term "unauthorized iPhone unlocking programs" to describe the software modifications in question says nothing even remotely close to the headline's claim. If 3rd party apps were in question, they'd have used the term "unauthorized third party applications", and nothing close to that appears in the press release.

If you're going to be journalists, then be journalists. FUD is FUD.

jaydot

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Seriously read the article first. It says about unlocking not 3rd party apps. Unlocking changes the firmware.

Read first outrage later. Seriously...

Macdrake

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @deedrit:

apple = microsoft?

Did Microsoft recently stop allowing third parties from installing software on Windows Mobile devices? Or only sign a contract for Windows Mobile devices to only work on one carrier?

It is funny to think about, but from a certain perspective, Apple would really need to clean up their act to be comparable to Microsoft.

Personally, I try to avoid buying products from either company. But, hey - that's just me.

Monty

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> This is a surprise? If I were running some non-standard firmware on my macbook and Apple released a firmware update that for some reason bricked my macbook, I wouldn't expect apple to warranty my stupid ass. Anyone who hacks firmware (be it with their router, ipod, laptop, camera, automobile, phone, etc) should know they're doing something more akin to making physical alterations to the device than to just installing some software.

Frankly, the same thing goes for software. IMO it's the job of the software writer to make sure they aren't screwing up the hardware they're using. If someone writes a program for my macbook that disables the fans and it overheats, apple should cover this?

Now, if apple's threatening to deliberately brick iphones that it determines are running non-standard stuff, yeah, that's sleazy as hell.

ppiddyp

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> If your unlocked phone gets bricked there is NO WAY Apple will cover the damage under warranty. Your phone will need to be sent back to have the original firmware reflashed.

...unless someone figures out how to install Windows Mobile 6 on an iPhone. :)

vmspionage

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> i noticed that the article mentions "unlocking." Does anyone know if this will affect apps like ibrickr which is simply used to add ringtones?

deedrit

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> apple = microsoft?

deedrit

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> stupid this is happening...but my macbook still gives me wood. damn the iphone (yea i said it)

rexdot

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @geoelectric: You need to go read the act. Not the wikipedia entry of the act, but the act itself. I have, and the act expressly allows limitations like the ones in the apple warranty.

cac67

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> I don't understand the problem here. If you mod a car to the point that blows the engine, or if you decide to mod your game console to play pirate games, are you really going to wine when the manufacturers say sorry your fault?

I absolutely believe that Apple must work with the development community to help users extend the functionality of the device.

But they do need to do this in a controlled fashion to enable the company to continue to provide the quality of products we currently enjoy.

toybits

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @THISTLE.JOHN:
They're probably referring to the fact that the phone will UPDATE, and due to changes to their phone that exist outside of the "restore" environment (unlocks survive restores), the operating system itself refuses to run with the alterations. Effectively, you now have a NON-WORKING unit. Voila, El Bricko. Basically, we're all waiting on new features as Apple sees how well each "gotta have" firmware upgrade does against unlock hackers. Joy, joy. I'll bet they give the hackers 3-4 weeks before doing it again. So cruel.

Cleverboy

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> when people talk about a bricked iPhone, do they mean it will still have ipod touch and internet (i,e. just loose phone/text)??

thanks

thistle.john

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> There is absolutely a distinction to be drawn between the law on one hand, and company policy on the other. Lots of companies treat their own internal policies as though they were legally enforceable, and lots of consumers accept it. But if enough customers are actually willing to fight back, you'd be surprised how flexible company policy can turn out to be...

glibberthwix

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> The thing about the warranty clauses people are quoting...just because it's in the warranty doesn't make it so. Magnuson-Moss also laid down rules as to minimums of warranty, and I believe many states have their own laws that also apply. Warranties come in both implied and express form (express being the written one), but the express one cannot remove rights granted by the implied one (the body of law).

geoelectric

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @ the people saying Apple's neutral on third party software:

That statement was retracted the day after it was made.

We'll see what happens. Like somebody else pointed out, most likely if it does break 3rd party apps, it'll just be temporarily until somebody hacks it again, so just don't update iTunes, IE, go turn your update to off right now.

However, one thing to note: you cannot perform an iPhone restore without checking for updates, so be careful about what you install/run until all is clear again.

Keebler

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Mm. How about a little less Yellow-Journalism? I realize it could bring some bitchin' traffic, and maybe the writers are genuinely paranoid/angry, but it sounds to me like Apple wants to blacklist "unlocked" phones, and simply refuse service to iPhone's that have custom software hacks applied. Could it be that supporting unknown hack-ware isn't exactly a way to stay far-enough in the black?

Apple Support: Hello sir, how can we help you?
Customer: Well, I'm having trouble! All my icons are gone!
Apple Support: Gone? Well, what were you doing when they dissappeared?
Customer: I was just playing Mike Tyson's Punchout, and when I suspended my game after clocking King Hippo, I was thumb-scrolling Summerboard down to launch a quick game of PigShooter, when suddenly...
Apple Support: Hold on... did you just say that you're running non-standard software on your iPhone?
Customer: Um, yeah... and also, I forgot and fell asleep with iBrator running all night long yesterday, and its like the motor for the vibrator stopped working. Is there something I can do, or should I bring it to an Apple Store?
Apple Support: Dude? Let me give you some advice.... I'm taking a chance this isn't being recorded, but restore your iPhone, bring it to the Apple store, and just play dumb.
Customer: What? Why? Is there a problem?
Apple Support: Dude... we're SO not having this conversation.

Sounds more true than not to me.

Cleverboy

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @G.Quagmire: From the iphone warranty: This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by use with non-Apple products; (b) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, flood, fire, earthquake or other external causes; (c) to damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Apple; (d) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider ("AASP"); (e) to a product or part that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple; (f )
to consumable parts, such as batteries, unless damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (g) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports; or (h) if any Apple serial number has been removed or defaced.

cac67

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Am I missing something here. It seems to me that apple already made a stance that they will not puposely break 3rd party apps. It seems that this is just an attack on unlocking apps which is possibly the handywork of AT&T. They're could be requiring Apple to to this since it voids thier 'agreement' some how. Maybe apply fanbois can take comfort in the fact that it's not his steveness that's behind this. However, what's probably more likely is that apple doesn't get back that $150 to $200 for every person that activates a new line or the monthly cut that they get. They're probably ok with any 3rd party apps, as long as it doesn't cut into their bottom line.

stallionz

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> You know, I keep seeing things like Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act that prohibits things like car companies making the warranty dependent on using OEM parts and supplies. and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act has been around for awhile now... and in numerous other fields (namely automobile warranties) this has been the case. Can you guys come up with some other argument for how the mmwa means that apple has to fix a phone thats bricked if the firmware has been altered? This analogy is too far afield. How about if you guys that like to throw out the mmwa as the be all and end all of this discussion tell us what argument you'd actually make in court for it. Explain to us how you intend to prove that your modification could not have caused the problem, and what evidence or expert testimony you would present.

cac67

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Ok, well I don't have an iPhone (yet?), but if there is something in the license agreement that says they can void the warranty if 3rd party software is installed, this is something that you agreed to, whether you realized it or not. I don't necessarily agree with the practice, but it is the reality. In fact, it's one of the things that could keep me from getting an iPhone. It's a ball-less ass-covering bit of legalese (on Apple's part), but it's one that you agreed to, but like it or not, it's something that every iPhone user agreed to.

G.Quagmire

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Seems rather.. funny, to me. The phone everyone was hailing as being the "Jesus Phone", seems to have so many negative effects tacked onto it by its creator, it's looking more and more like it should be renamed the Antichrist Phone.

SilverStar95

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]>

The permanent inability to use an iPhone due to installing unlocking software is not covered under the iPhone's warranty.

To me, that says they have to prove that unlocking of the phone caused the problem. I'm sure that won't stop the employees at apple from using this as a way to deny people and hope they just accept that. Only when you complain will they bring it in under warranty.

Darkest Daze

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> I'm not sure voiding the warranty is legal under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act that prohibits things like car companies making the warranty dependent on using OEM parts and supplies. I would think one could argue that 3d party software is like using 3d party oil filters and that Apple may not void the warranty for using 3d party produts--especially since the firmware and software cannot harm the hardware and the iPhone can be easily restored by Apple to original Firmware and software specs.

Skeptic

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> When MacRumors mentioned this on their website
[www.macrumors.com]
they actually mentioned that this would NOT affect third party apps. Just the unlocking solutions. Apple has actually been very clear that they will take a neutral stance towards third party apps; i.e. not purposefully screwing with them, but not caring if an update breaks them either.

mac4drew

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Why don't they (Apple) just put together a nice system to verify and sign apps. Sure, it'll take alittle overhead, but just think of all the cool apps that would be made.

The native app world has been a little quiet lately, imo. WHy bother coding something that could be zapped any second. And don't get me started on the web apps that Jobs promised us - they are far and few between. It seems the development of those has all but dried up.

James

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> does anyone see that really bright light? damn this cave is starting to smell from dirty, filthy fanbois that populate it

discounteggroll

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> They can do it. Its a phone. Not a notebook or a PDA. They never said they supported the addition of 3rd party applications. Someone figured out what to change to get it to work. If you did a hack on your notebook BIOS and bricked it, your warranty would be void too. To answer someones questions above, yes it is possible to trash hardware with firmware and cause irrepairable damage or at least damage that could not be fixed without sendng the unit back to the mothership for repair.

Rand

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Did Jobs and Woz get their starts as phone phreaks hacking the At&t network?

It took him a few decades and a few billion dollars but he FINALLY learned his lesson.

I'm not glad I'm too poor to afford an iPhone but, I do feel a little less bad knowing it will only be as useful as Apple decides it should be.

Techguy1138

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @lolec: Yes. But modern and well-designed hardware should prevent this. Of course, theres no way to know if Apple
A)didn't even consider 3rd party apps running on the hardware
or
B)deliberately made the hardware vulnerable to specifically discourage 3rd party apps.

This is obviously tin-foil-hat-ish, but it is still quite interesting and weighty food for thought.

"Computing Myth #1: Software cannot damage hardware ":
[trixter.wordpress.com]

wlcrm

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> WHAT!?! People want something not made by Apple on an Apple product. What do you think this is, freedom? Apple knows what is best for you, stop thinking for yourself...Enjoy your silly, expensive cages Apple fans.

elkapitann

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> As has been stated already, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act pretty much invalidates this stance for much of anything besides bricking. It would be Apple's responsibility--in the case of a warranty non-compliance lawsuit--to prove that that specific 3rd party app on that specific phone caused the specific problem they're failing to warrant.

While I have no doubt they could wave enough smoke and mirrors around to make a case for a software failure, they're still going to have to cover any hardware failure.

The really good news is that any such problem would be well within the bounds of Small Claims court. It'd probably much less costly for you to file and pursue the claim than it would be for them to send a company representative to adequately fight it.

geoelectric

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> I can think of a few good purposes for a brick.

Uriel

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Apple fanboys and iPhone users can relax.
I mean, I don't have one, and I'm among the people who hated all the hype and all the "10 apple related news a day".
But I think this is more like some scare tactic than something that will really happen.
Even if they do release a new firmware that blocks unlocked phones, people will soon create a way to fix it.

'till them, don't update your firmware.

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> All of a sudden, that Blackberry or Treo isn't looking too bad.

Joseph

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Sounds like a lawsuit to me...??? Maybe HP should file suit for people installing linux and removing windows? Or maybe running yellowdog PPC on a powerbook G4.. smells like scare tactings and BS!!!!

chastulsa

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Luckily i have to exchange mine since my refurb has a crappy screen. I just hope the next one i get doesn't have the same screen problem.

will86

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> @lolec: yes, it is most definitely possible. The software tells the hardware what it can and cannot do, and how things need to treat it, etc.

nachobel

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> One day, I will make an electronic device with absolutely no piracy protection.

I will call it the One Piece, since it'll make me King of the Pirates!

Sabre_Justice: Okay, no more long name.

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Why don't Apple just...you know...make apps that do what people want them to?

eh? eh? seems pretty fucking obvious to me!

nachobel

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Nice picture :D

mandarin

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> So I'm becoming less and less of an Apple fanboy every day. Soon, I might even change my icon. (*GASP* Oh noes!)

QWERTYthon

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> I dont know a lot about this but is it possible for a software to making irreparable damage to something ? I realy whant to know because when i fullrestore via iTunes i dont have to unlock again. so, maybe the unlock do can make permanent changes ... i dunno. ( if they whant us to upgrade they should release cool stuff movile itunes store and doubletap bring music controls VS NES, installer, sketches, summerboard, themes, terminal, IM... good try apple.

lolec

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> This is old, they said this on the launch of the iPhone, I remember they had some story about how a rouge application on the iPhone might bring the whole network down and other such nonsense.

I guess in the hype it was overlooked by a lot of people, that installing apps not signed by apple actually voids the warranty.

prodigal_son

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> unless they can prove a 3rd party app directly caused a problem needing a warranty repair i'm pretty sure that can't just void a warranty. the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act has been around for awhile now... and in numerous other fields (namely automobile warranties) this has been the case.

x23

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> "It runs a full version of OS X"

How is this even close to a true statement anymore?

newgalactic

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> I know I probably should scour the various forums for the answer to this, but does anybody know how to do a full system restore (as opposed to the iTunes restore, which doesn't actually delete all new files)?

It will be interesting to see to what lengths they go to enforce this.... say you have a broken iPhone with AppTap installed, go into a store to replace it, they can't get it to turn on (or maybe the screen's broken) and they give you a new one. Are they going to analyze the flash memory on it, see if you installed any third party apps, and then charge you $400 for another phone?

Or will they just charge you for the repairs to the phone? Or what?

Seems like this is just going to cause them more hassles than it's worth.

Release an SDK already.

Keebler

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> Sounds like the PSP Homebrew battle all over again. All we need is newer version of the iPhone (but they don't tell you it's been changed) that block all 3rd party apps, and sometime to release a "downgrader" and I'll swear we're in a timewarp.

lafond66

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> If SummerBoard and Blackjack gets my iPhone bricked then I'm paying the ATT early cancellation fee and taking my toys with me.

(it's just the kind of mood I'm in right now).

James

]]> <![CDATA[Running Any Third Party iPhone Apps? Bye-Bye Warranty!]]> gay

this better not happen for the touch
other wise ima be pissed off

bigpolla

]]>