This uncompromising attitude, unfortunately, extends beyond usability. They are the ultimate corporate control freaks. Their secrecy is legendary, punishing product leaks with extreme prejudice – even, reportedly, leading to a suicide in China. This controlling mentality is now moving far beyond the lifecycle of the product, and on to what you can actually do with it once you bring it home.
Most of the world was still getting used to the idea of a phone as a computer when Apple introduced the iPhone. Developers were frustrated by the lack of ability to develop applications for such a sexy new platform. Therefore, we were all overjoyed when the development tools were finally announced along with the App Store. The fact that every application had to be approved by Apple and downloaded through iTunes may have given a few people pause, but it was seen as a justifiable, if arguable, policy to ensure the stability of what was, after all, a phone.
