Has Apple just created a public-relations nightmare?
Apple has introduced an update to its iTunes software, iTunes 8.2.1, that limits Palm users’ access to the updated iTunes on the recently launched Palm Pre smartphone.
During Pre’s release, one of the Pre’s big selling points was that users will be able to download free music, photos and videos via iTunes. Now Pre owners can no longer use Apple’s iTunes to sync their smartphones to Macs or PCs. This move is expected to hurt Pre sales going forward, since users’ ability to download music and videos now will be restricted.
As the owner of the iTunes site, Apple certainly is entitled to take such action. Although Apple has blocked the use of updated iTunes software, Pre owners can still use the older version of iTunes to sync with their phone. However, access to the new version of iTunes will be allowed only to authorized devices, such as its iPods and iPhones. Apple also said that iTunes will not support non-Apple hardware.
Apple has obviously taken this action to undercut the Pre, but one is forced to wonder: What is Apple afraid of?
On the one hand, it’s logical to believe that eliminating the iTunes syncing feature will lead to more iPhone sales. But the other side of the coin is this: If Apple is so confident that the iPhone is so much better than any other smartphone out there, then the elimination of that one feature shouldn’t make much difference in Pre sales, no? And what about all of the iTunes customers who already bought a Pre and now cannot use the iTunes sync function? Seems like Apple just created about – what? – at least 250,000 pissed-off iTunes customers, minimum? Not to mention the fact they lost a bunch of future revenue from those same customers.
Was that really a smart move, Apple? Hmmmmm….
