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Running 3rd Party iPhone Apps Voids Your Warranty

Submitted by Edward Kirk on September 25, 2007 - 12:10pm.
in

As though the news of a firmware update bricking unlocked iPhones wasn't enough, Apple has issued yet another statement stating what will most likely be the most devastating to the widest number of users. Apple has confirmed that running any native third party app or apps on your iPhone will void it's warranty.

The reason they give for this is that they apparently can not distinguish between other third party apps from those they have confirmed to react with the firmware and cause it to brick (Apple mentioned iUnlock and the GUI version, AnySIM).

The question here seems to be "What is so different about running 3rd party apps on the iPhone from on a Mac computer?". What could be so different about the iPhone from a Mac that makes native apps so dangerous?

Well, there are a couple theories on this, but they all coincide with the fact that Apple hasn't released an SDK.

One reason might be that Apple believes for some reason or another that the iPhone as a developing platform is not yet ready. This follows with the theory of TUAW's Erica Sadun that Apple rushed the iPhone to get it done and on shelves in time, and therefore some aspects of the software went unfinished, which would confirm all of the small glitches people have found.

The more likely theory is that Apple is intentionally keeping it closed because they want control over the kinds of apps made for the iPhone, something Steve Jobs mentioned in the Macworld 07 Keynote. Add this to the fact that Apple specifically mentioned unlocking apps as ones that void the warranty and it seems clear. This appears to be another step Apple is taking to keep the iPhone locked.

It is also likely that this is intended to coincide directly with yesterday's warning against unlocking the device.

[via Gizmodo]

warranty

Submitted by izmikiar on September 25, 2007 - 1:52pm.
Hello there,
Is this means that even if I restore my iPhone to the original settings that came with, the Apple or the AT&T people in the store will be able to figure out that I had installed 3rd party apps before. I have problem with the battery life and I am thinking to restore my phone and bring it back for exchange.

Submitted by Eurisko on September 25, 2007 - 2:24pm.
Apple sounds like the school yard kid whose gonna 'get you' for touching his marbles. They seem to be so incensed with controlling the iPhone that if you do anything against their will, they will void your warranty, brick your phone, any damn thing they can to F$ck you up.

News flash Steve, people are going to do whatever the heck they want with their property (we did buy it after all) whether you like it or not. You seem to be forgetting you're trying to screw over the very people who have stood behind you for countless years.

Submitted by jassinpain on September 25, 2007 - 2:51pm.
I was worried this would be the fall out of the unlockers. Apple seemed fine as long as no one was jacking with their profits but now someone is taking money out of their pockets so they are taking the gloves off.

Slightly Confused

Submitted by Highway51blues on September 25, 2007 - 3:17pm.
I used iFuntastic and installer.app to unshackle my iPhone so I can adjust the aesthetic things like backgrounds and icons/themes. I like ATT as my service provider so I did not "unlock" my iPhone from its original service. Will this new update effect my phone because I have other software on there? If so I am really pissed because I bought the damn thing and there shouldn't be any reason why I can't mess around with the software.

To Hack or Not to Hack, that is the Question

Submitted by Jason (not verified) on September 25, 2007 - 5:47pm.
We do not own the software. We merely license it. It has been that way for years.

I used Installer.App on Sunday, then Apple's announcement came out on Monday. Monday night, I used iTunes to restore the iPhone.

Now, I'm waiting to see what happens. Will my phone be bricked or not?

On a side note... I cannot read the darned "Image Verification" thingy! These things are getting out of hand. I'll hit refresh and see what I get...

Submitted by Pepper on September 25, 2007 - 6:02pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by izmikiar View Post
Hello there,
Is this means that even if I restore my iPhone to the original settings that came with, the Apple or the AT&T people in the store will be able to figure out that I had installed 3rd party apps before. I have problem with the battery life and I am thinking to restore my phone and bring it back for exchange.
I am on my 3rd iPhone after problems with the first 2, and I HAVE NOT, had a problem getting one because of 3rd party apps. Just remember to do a restore before you take it in, and you should be good. They didn't notice a thing.

Submitted by tayklor on September 25, 2007 - 6:32pm.
I mess with OS X on my PowerBook all the time and my laptop is still under AppleCare.

I do not see how the iPhone is different. It's all software, you can do what you want with it and never break the hardware. Firmware is different, but, despite what some people say, the iPhone OS is not in firmware, but in flash and you can always restore if the firmware is intact.

I have many 3rd party apps on my 8Gb iPhone including Apollo IM (something every iPhone needs) and many others. I also have non-iTunes ringtones and SSH.

As for posts above, I can't think of a way Apple can tell if there where 3rd party apps on your phone.
If you do a restore, your phone's software is the same as when you took it out of the box (unless you unlocked it, then the baseband is different, but that is in the modem firmware).

So as for that, I see no logical reason for Apple to void warranties if you install 3rd party apps. I also see no reason why iPhone software 1.1.1 will brick an unlocked phone. It may damage the modem, but not brick it! And for 1.1.1 killing 3rd party apps, WHAT DOES APPLE HAVE AGAINST THEM!?

Restoring your iPhone

Submitted by Josh (not verified) on September 25, 2007 - 6:34pm.
If you have 3rd party apps intalled on your iPhone, but you restore it to the factory setting using software restore, is your warranty still void? Will Apple or AT&T know that you had 3rd party apps intalled?

case to be made

Submitted by dimitrin on September 25, 2007 - 6:37pm.
I can believe if the software damaged the phone it would be out of warranty. But I have a question, in this case you are happily using your device with third party apps, and Apple 's software upgrade is malicious, it is apple's software doing the damage not the third party app, so Apple would have to prove they were not being malicious and damage their own product. And warranty would still be valid.

one might find defense for warranty in this act... but I am no lawyer...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson-Moss_Warranty_Act

Submitted by tayklor on September 25, 2007 - 6:39pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh View Post
If you have 3rd party apps intalled on your iPhone, but you restore it to the factory setting using software restore, is your warranty still void? Will Apple or AT&T know that you had 3rd party apps intalled?
Sadly yes, if they can figure it out...

Submitted by Spoon on September 25, 2007 - 7:40pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason View Post
... On a side note... I cannot read the darned "Image Verification" thingy! These things are getting out of hand. I'll hit refresh and see what I get...
If you can't read the image verification, register

Quote:
Originally Posted by Highway51blues View Post
I used iFuntastic and installer.app to unshackle my iPhone so I can adjust the aesthetic things like backgrounds and icons/themes. I like ATT as my service provider so I did not "unlock" my iPhone from its original service. Will this new update effect my phone because I have other software on there? If so I am really pissed because I bought the damn thing and there shouldn't be any reason why I can't mess around with the software.
We don't know what the next update will bring. I'd wait and see what others say before updating when it comes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh View Post
If you have 3rd party apps intalled on your iPhone, but you restore it to the factory setting using software restore, is your warranty still void? Will Apple or AT&T know that you had 3rd party apps intalled?
I doubt there's any way for them to find out. If there is, they would have to try really hard and they wont.

Submitted by Josh (not verified) on September 25, 2007 - 7:59pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tayklor View Post
Sadly yes, if they can figure it out...
weak...

Submitted by chr1s60 on September 25, 2007 - 11:21pm.
I have a feeling that Apple is going to eventually approve of certain 3rd party apps, but right now they simply don't want them. I think they want to get everything on the phone worked out before allowing people to add their own apps.

As for anyone saying Apple is wrong by voiding the warranty if you hacked an iPhone, quit whining. Apple shouldn't have to replace something YOU mess up.

Submitted by Eurisko on September 26, 2007 - 7:36am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chr1s60 View Post
As for anyone saying Apple is wrong by voiding the warranty if you hacked an iPhone, quit whining. Apple shouldn't have to replace something YOU mess up.
So if you install roof racks on your brand new car, then your transmission blows; its ok for the Dealer to say 'Nope, too bad, your warranty's void because you installed something we didn't want you to'.

It's precisely the same principle. Nobody is whining because a third party app 'messed up' their iPhone. What if the screen fails, what if the battery fails, etc. You're saying its ok for Apple to say screw you because you installed Summerboard?

Get some scruples.

Submitted by dimitrin on September 26, 2007 - 10:56am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurisko View Post
So if you install roof racks on your brand new car, then your transmission blows
They have to fix your transmission, but if you ruin you roof gutters thats where they will argue it is your fault for putting the roof rack on. Apple would hide behind your everyday joe not know what the 3rd party apps are doing in the back ground and would blame it the user and not themselves.

Submitted by Eurisko on September 26, 2007 - 11:25am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dimitrin View Post
They have to fix your transmission, but if you ruin you roof gutters thats where they will argue it is your fault for putting the roof rack on. Apple would hide behind your everyday joe not know what the 3rd party apps are doing in the back ground and would blame it the user and not themselves.
You seem to be missing the point. If you have a third party app installed, Apple will void your entire warranty. It doesn't matter if the problem is with a defect in the hardware or something the user may have done with the software, Apple will wash their hands of you. That's what a Void warranty entails.

If your battery life is ten minutes, they won't replace it. If your screen stops responding to your input, they won't replace it. You follow?

Submitted by chr1s60 on September 26, 2007 - 11:44am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurisko View Post
So if you install roof racks on your brand new car, then your transmission blows; its ok for the Dealer to say 'Nope, too bad, your warranty's void because you installed something we didn't want you to'.

It's precisely the same principle. Nobody is whining because a third party app 'messed up' their iPhone. What if the screen fails, what if the battery fails, etc. You're saying its ok for Apple to say screw you because you installed Summerboard?

Get some scruples.
Let me further explain my view. If your screen fails after having 3rd party apps, I think Apple should cover it. Apps have nothing to do with the screen. Anything software related that messes up or doesn't allow you to do a restore because of 3rd party apps should void the warranty. I have heard that some Apps available actually run down the battery faster than normal so the battery could reasonably be voided.

The whole point Apple is coming from is simple and makes perfect sense. When you bought the phone and signed the contract you agreed to use the product as intended by Apple and AT&T. Just like a contract in anything else, breaking any part of a contract voids it. I am certain Apple and AT&T did not want or intend for their phones to be hacked, therefore hacking voids the warranty. Sure you may not find it fair, but it is business and Apple is just protecting themselves. I am guessing if you released a product like the iPhone, you would want a contract saying if people used the phone in a way it was not intended to be used, the warranty would be voided. It simply saves you from being responsible and losing money because of user errors.

Fair or not, it is a business and complaining does no good. If you think it is unfair then try to fight it in court. Another reasonable alternative is to not hack your phone. You have a choice... 3rd party apps or 1 year warranty. Your choice.

Submitted by Eurisko on September 26, 2007 - 12:47pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chr1s60 View Post
The whole point Apple is coming from is simple and makes perfect sense. When you bought the phone and signed the contract you agreed to use the product as intended by Apple and AT&T.
For the record, I'm am not with AT&T as a carrier nor did I sign a contract stating I would obey Apple's Ten Commandments. Due to Apple's exclusionary business practices I bought my iPhone through eBay and I am fully aware that I would have no warranty when I bought it. My 'complaining' is simply pointing out the school yard bully attitude Apple has taken on this matter.

You may find it perfectly reasonable for Apple to decide not to provide any support to those customers wishing to make modifications to THEIR phones (after purchase, its not Apple's iPhone), however many do not. And I'm really blown away how you keep saying "as Apple intended". We aren't renting these devices, its ours and we can do whatever we want with it. Use with whomever we want, throw it away, blend it, mod it. However, if there is an originating defect (meaning there was a problem with the device before it ever reached your hands) then the Ethical business practice would be to service or replace it, under warranty.

Submitted by dimitrin on September 26, 2007 - 1:04pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurisko View Post
Thanks for the response which was wholly devoid of ethics (what I meant my lack of scruples). For the record, I'm am not with AT&T as a carrier nor did I sign a contract stating I would obey Apple's Ten Commandments. Due to Apple's exclusionary business practices I bought my iPhone through eBay and I am fully aware that I would have no warranty when I bought it. My 'complaining' is simply pointing out the school yard bully attitude Apple has taken on this matter.

You may find it perfectly reasonable for Apple to decide not to provide any support to those customers wishing to make modifications to THEIR phones, however many do not. And saying "That's Business" doesn't make it ethical or right.
I think we all agree. My understanding is the corp. is just puffing it's chest... If this wanted to go to court the consumer actually would have a good argument, they have in the past, what ever the warranty says.

Does this mean it is still voided?...

Submitted by rytheguy (not verified) on September 26, 2007 - 1:57pm.
I have installed a couple of 3rd party apps on my iphone BEFORE... and now I took them off with a restore. Does this mean my warranty is voided? Please someone comment if it is! Thanks to whoever helps me out!

Submitted by chr1s60 on September 26, 2007 - 2:43pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurisko View Post
For the record, I'm am not with AT&T as a carrier nor did I sign a contract stating I would obey Apple's Ten Commandments. Due to Apple's exclusionary business practices I bought my iPhone through eBay and I am fully aware that I would have no warranty when I bought it. My 'complaining' is simply pointing out the school yard bully attitude Apple has taken on this matter.

You may find it perfectly reasonable for Apple to decide not to provide any support to those customers wishing to make modifications to THEIR phones (after purchase, its not Apple's iPhone), however many do not. And I'm really blown away how you keep saying "as Apple intended". We aren't renting these devices, its ours and we can do whatever we want with it. Use with whomever we want, throw it away, blend it, mod it. However, if there is an originating defect (meaning there was a problem with the device before it ever reached your hands) then the Ethical business practice would be to service or replace it, under warranty.
You are correct, once you purchase it is YOURS, but the warranty belongs to APPLE and it is up to them if they wish to honor it. If there was a problem with the device before it reached your hands then you should return it immediately, not hack it then take it to Apple. This is not bullying by Apple but instead a case of people who KNEW hacking their phone was probably not covered by warranty and now have issues with their phone and want it replaced. If the iPhone was supposed to run 3rd party apps it would have came with the ability to run them without hacking. Give me a break, if I buy a phone and throw it against a wall because I want to make the phone I own bounce it doesn't mean Apple has to give me a new one because it broke when I used it the way I wanted.

Submitted by jeffswims2win on September 26, 2007 - 6:22pm.
Hi,

I use Third Party Apps on my iPhone, but I have never unlocked it for other carriers. It is simply theme type apps, does this still void my warrenty?

Nothing with AT&T or Apple has been changed, just the icons and backround, and the old ones are still present.

Thanks.

Submitted by jeffswims2win on September 26, 2007 - 6:24pm.
Also, if all of a sudden something clearly Apple related that has nothing to do with my 3rd Party Apps, and I take all of the apps off and still it doesnt work, will they replace it? Or is my warrenty void?

If I ever went to an Apple Store I would definately take off the 3rd Party Apps. Would they still void it if they didnt know they were there and it was clearly something Apple related that they are responsible for?

Submitted by Spoon on September 26, 2007 - 7:44pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rytheguy View Post
I have installed a couple of 3rd party apps on my iphone BEFORE... and now I took them off with a restore. Does this mean my warranty is voided? Please someone comment if it is! Thanks to whoever helps me out!
I don't think so. Just make sure that you restore your iPhone before sending it to Apple

Submitted by Eurisko on September 27, 2007 - 12:05pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffswims2win View Post
Also, if all of a sudden something clearly Apple related that has nothing to do with my 3rd Party Apps, and I take all of the apps off and still it doesnt work, will they replace it? Or is my warrenty void?

If I ever went to an Apple Store I would definately take off the 3rd Party Apps. Would they still void it if they didnt know they were there and it was clearly something Apple related that they are responsible for?
Yes, even if its clearly an Apple problem, Apple will not honor the warranty if they find you fiddled with the Phone. But hey, as Chr1s60 says "Thats Business" so I guess that's makes everything Apple does OK.

Submitted by Eurisko on September 27, 2007 - 12:07pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chr1s60 View Post
Give me a break, if I buy a phone and throw it against a wall because I want to make the phone I own bounce it doesn't mean Apple has to give me a new one because it broke when I used it the way I wanted.
Again you misread, and missed the point. But no matter, I won't bother to apply common sense ethics to you, as you simply don't get it. You stick with your "That's business" routine, and I'll stick with Right & Wrong.

Submitted by andyman123 on September 28, 2007 - 12:05am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eurisko View Post
Apple sounds like the school yard kid whose gonna 'get you' for touching his marbles.
yeah except the marbles are actually yours,
and there breaking the law by "getting you"

Submitted by andyman123 on September 28, 2007 - 12:08am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rytheguy View Post
I have installed a couple of 3rd party apps on my iphone BEFORE... and now I took them off with a restore. Does this mean my warranty is voided? Please someone comment if it is! Thanks to whoever helps me out!
dude your fine

apple has no way of knowing, unless you unlocked your phone

Submitted by Eurisko on September 28, 2007 - 8:49am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by andyman123 View Post
yeah except the marbles are actually yours,
and there breaking the law by "getting you"
You mean my iPhone isn't actually mine? I wasted all that money and got a purchase receipt for nothing? Wow, thanks for letting me know!

Submitted by Eurisko on September 28, 2007 - 9:30am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rytheguy View Post
I have installed a couple of 3rd party apps on my iphone BEFORE... and now I took them off with a restore. Does this mean my warranty is voided? Please someone comment if it is! Thanks to whoever helps me out!
Legally, your warranty was void the minute your jailbroke your phone. Now its a question of would Apple find out if you brought it in. But "dude you're fine".

C'est La Vie

Submitted by Eurisko on September 28, 2007 - 9:41am.
You know, I've simply forwarded my opinion that what Apple's doing in this particular scenario is unethical. They sell you a mini computer (despite Steve Job's saying 'its just a phone') and then threaten you with a void warranty if you want to install your own apps.

I don't think that's right, I didn't say its 'unfair', I said its not right. And for that I'm flamed; primarily by people who A: probably work for Apple or B: use AT&T as their carrier (cause they're safe and can throw all the stones they want).

So flame on boys and girls, but don't expect any further retorts. I've got more productive things to do with my time and with my iPhone.