Apple charges touch users for security fixes

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 18 Jun 2009 at 15:42

Apple has released version 3.0 of its iPhone software, complete with 38 security patches - but touch users are forced to pay if they want to keep their data safe.

The updated OS costs nothing for iPhone users, but Apple charges £5.99 for touch owners who want its extra security and features.

"If left unpatched, hackers could run malware on your iPhone just by you visiting a website or viewing a maliciously-crafted image," explained Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"Without it, they are leaving themselves potentially wide open to attack - it pays to remember that no operating system is invincible," he added.

"It's certainly unusual for a company to charge for important security patches like this," continued Cluley. "In an ideal world Apple would make free fixes available for iPod Touch users who don't feel they need cut-and-paste and other new features, but do want to be able to use the internet securely."

Apple lists the security issues that the update fixes on its website, including some that could allow hackers to run malicious code on a user's iPhone.

Version 3.0 of the software also includes many features that the iPhone has lacked since its release in 2007. Cut-and-paste, OS-wide search and a landscape virtual keyboard to name just a few.

Apple was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.