For anyone who has ever owned an Apple iPhone or iPod, it is common knowledge that screen and body scratches are a common “feature” of these devices. Regardless if the iPhone 3GS features a fingerprint resistant coating, the phone chassis is still easily scratched.
Fortunately there are third party accessory manufacturers who come with good tidings of saving your device’s screen from looking like grated cheese. But due to Apple’s decision, these same accessory makers are going to be banned from both Apple’s online and walk-in stores. The main focus of the ban are scratch-resistant screens but the extent of this decision reaches even up to cases that use any sort of protective film screens.
iLounge has spoken with and has confirmed the ban with several accessory vendors who have commented anonymously. A publication has commented on Apple’s move, saying:
“It is believed that Apple’s move will have ramifications for the accessory industry outside of its own stores, as the Apple Store constitutes a significant fraction of total sales for many developers, even though accessory manufacturers also sell their products through other channels.”
Since the protective film and casing business is highly lucrative, either these accessory makers unite to form individual (possibly online) stores or they head off to make accessories for other mobile phones. Some may just make two versions of their casing products, one with film to sell in other channels and one without for the Apple stores. The bottom line is that it is the consumers who will suffer most of the effects. As of this time, Apple has no statement to provide any sort of reasoning behind the move.
The iPhone maker sure is doing a lot of clearing out both online and offline. Between app purging and case rejecting, it is a wonder what brought this chain of events on. A lot of vendors and fans are surely unhappy and harsh complaints are to be expected. Considering the amount of money it costs to own an iPhone as well as the number of people who depend on the device to sustain their lifestyles, Apple better have a good reason to strip away their choices.
Geek has more about Apple’s protective film ban.
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