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iPod Touch Software
ashjf
04-11-2009
Why do you have to pay for iPod Touch software upgrades?

Also, how do you install it?
KAC
04-11-2009
You can install it through iTunes. Apparently we have to pay for it because of some accounting thing about subscriptions. Google if you want to know more.
Fromez
04-11-2009
Apple says it's to do with complying with tax regulations. I *think* it's to do with them not being able to claim tax deductions if they release the iPod touch firmware free, as the updates are perceived to be new versions of the software, creating new features (e.g. like a new operating system, or new version of Word etc).

However, you can download the firmware free if you google "ipod touch firmware". A site, the top one on my search result, allows you to download the firmware from Apple without paying for it. After downloading, you just hold down the Shift key and click the Update (to update your touch) or Restore (to wipe everything off your touch and do a clean install) button in iTunes.

Doing this is a grey area, but this method has existed for almost 2 years now and if Apple had wanted to, they would have shut down this method...either by having the site taken down or closing off their own servers better.
IvanIV
04-11-2009
Aren't iphone updates for free? How do they manage that and why not itouch?
PrinceGaz
04-11-2009
Originally Posted by IvanIV:
“Aren't iphone updates for free? How do they manage that and why not itouch? ”

Old versions of the iPhone software might not be compatible with the mobile-phone network so it is required that everybody is using the latest version on the iPhone. Also the cost of the iPhone is higher than the iTouch partly because all future software-updates are part of that higher cost; the extra cost you pay for the iPhone (either up front, or with a contract) is partly to get those updates for "free".

On the other hand, an original iTouch with OS v1.x will still work perfectly fine so there is no requirement to update; you do so out of choice for extra features which the model you bought did not originally have, so they charge a token amount to help fund the cost of it. As has been said, it is easy to update for free though if you wish.
KAC
04-11-2009
Originally Posted by Fromez:
“Doing this is a grey area, but this method has existed for almost 2 years now and if Apple had wanted to, they would have shut down this method...either by having the site taken down or closing off their own servers better.”

Theft is a gray area?
zapod
04-11-2009
Originally Posted by IvanIV:
“Aren't iphone updates for free? How do they manage that and why not itouch? ”

iPhone owners pay a monthly tariff to the phone network operator (O2 only at the mo), and the belief is that Apple's cut of that covers the costs of the new OS.

iPod Touch owners make a one-off payment (for the device) and if they choose not to ever use the iTunes store for Apps and music, then Apple get no more money off them, hence the nominal fee for the OS update.
Fromez
04-11-2009
Originally Posted by KAC:
“Theft is a gray area?”

And Apple's justification isn't?

Apple knows I can download directly from their site using a direct link rather than via iTunes. If they seriously considered it theft they would do something about it. They can make their music and video download servers watertight but they can't their firmware servers?

I paid for my first update. I'm not going to splash out another fiver for every iPod touch update for my ageing 1st gen.
PrinceGaz
05-11-2009
Originally Posted by Fromez:
“I paid for my first update. I'm not going to splash out another fiver for every iPod touch update for my ageing 1st gen.”

I think it's actually only US$5 now, which translates to GB£3 in iTunes. It's hardly extortionate for all the extra features which are added (admitedly the main features were added with OS 2.x which added AppStore compatibility).

Having said that, I bought my iTouch 2G in April this year, and chose to upgrade to OS 3.0 for free using the method which Apple are well aware of and have been letting people do for ages. They know most people will be unaware of the alternative and will pay for the update once iTunes promininintely suggests that people buy the upgrade. I'm sure they keep the "free upgrade" option open simply because if they closed it, then it would be no more difficult to jailbreak the device with the new version, than it would be to just install the new OS version.

Providing a supported way of upgrading for free without jailbreaking is preferable for them, instead of forcing all users who don't want to pay down the jailbreak route and losing revenue in the form of future app purchases. Plus it keeps customers happy knowing Apple isn't *forcing* them to pay to upgrade.
IvanIV
05-11-2009
Originally Posted by zapod:
“iPhone owners pay a monthly tariff to the phone network operator (O2 only at the mo), and the belief is that Apple's cut of that covers the costs of the new OS.

iPod Touch owners make a one-off payment (for the device) and if they choose not to ever use the iTunes store for Apps and music, then Apple get no more money off them, hence the nominal fee for the OS update.”

I'd say it covers more than one OS a year. Seems a very strange practice, perhaps people would prefer a lower monthly payments and only for the operator services and pay for the new OS if they want it. But nothing suprises me anymore about apple.
KAC
05-11-2009
Originally Posted by Fromez:
“And Apple's justification isn't?

Apple knows I can download directly from their site using a direct link rather than via iTunes. If they seriously considered it theft they would do something about it. They can make their music and video download servers watertight but they can't their firmware servers?

I paid for my first update. I'm not going to splash out another fiver for every iPod touch update for my ageing 1st gen.”

If you don't want to pay for updates to your Touch, then you are well within your rights not to. What you can't do is steal something just because you don't agree with the pricing.

And saying that Apple knows people can do it and doesn't do anything about it is the lamest of excuses. Just like with OS X, Apple are relying on people being honest.
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