Will Apple Sing a Different Tune? Most Likely...

The worldwide craze for Apple's latest technology has been undeniable. With over one million being sold since its debut this summer, the iPhone has become synomous with high-status and chic ness. Combining one's phone, camera, iPod, and Internet service provider, the iPhone is light-years ahead of other gadgets in its class.

However, iPhone is only functionable with AT&T. Although the price of the two-year contract is included in the base price of the iPhone, this contract has been a small deterrent to some consumers who prefer other cell phone carriers. Enter the hackers.

This past August, 17-year-old George Hotz, made headlines when he successfully "hacked" the iPhone. The world stood in awe at the self-proclaimed geek who completely re-engineered the iPhone in order to make it work with SIM cards from other cell phone carriers. Hotz seemed very proud of his 500 hours of work.

But, Apple has fought back. Stating that they take security of their product very seriously, Apple sent out updates to all iPhone users on Sept. 27, making any "hacked" phones inoperable.

There is however, one minor problem, which Steven Levy is proud to point out in his upcoming NewsWeek article, called "Honey, I iBricked the New Mobile Phone." The new update sent out to iPhones deleted ring tones or other applications from some "unhacked" phones. But it got worse - some "unhacked" iPhones were rendered completely useless! The main reason - Apple's new update deleted or overpowered any Internet applications that were not theirs.

At this point, Apple is sticking by the notion that the iPhone is really only suited to work with AT&T and Apple software. Anything else on your iPhone (like Internet downloads) is not their problem. So, if your "unhacked" iPhone is no longer in working order, Apple says to buy another one.

This is similar to how Apple originally responded when customers were upset about the drop in price of iPhone. A few months back, after claiming that they would never do this, Apple dropped the price of the iPhone making the product more available to the public. However, Customers who had purchased the iPhone two months back were reasonably upset and demanded action from Apple. After all, they had spent well over $200 more!

But Apple's reply: tough luck.

Then, only after a few days, Steve Jobs changed his tune, and Apple gave those customers who had bought the IPhone at its original debut a $100 store credit.

So here is my point: Apple puts on a tough front at the start. The have a "take-no-prisoners" mentality at first, but have been known to lighten as time goes on.

And their flexibilty with their customers is what makes Apple products in demand. For instance, is there any other technology company that you can name that provides store credit if their product changes or is updated? I have never heard of Bill Gates giving refunds to all Windows 2000 users when he introduced Vista this year. It is simply unheard of, but Apple is willing to make amends with the customers in unique ways.

My advice to those "unhackers" who got stuck with a punishment for a crime they didn't commit: Hold tight to your iPhone – the tide will soon turn into your favor.