Mobiles Download

It's been nearly a week since Apple (AAPL) issued its controversial iPhone 1.1.1 firmware update.

At first, the loudest cries came from users who had unlocked their phones to work with other carriers and found that the devices had been rendered inoperable.

But Apple's deeper problem is that the update also disabled all native (i.e. unauthorized) third-party applications -- a development that will ultimately affect every iPhone user. Third-party applications are the secret sauce that have made every computer -- from the Apple II on -- infinitely more powerful than its designers imagined. Who besides a programmer on Apple's payroll is going to write software for the iPhone now?

Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock said:

"If the damage was due to use of an unauthorized software application, voiding their warranty, they should purchase a new iPhone."