The iPhone 2.x software used in the iPhone 3G appears to have the ability to disable applications installed on the iPhone. On the iPhone Atlas web site, Jonathan Zdziarski reports that Apple has set up an Internet server that the iPhone can check in with, to see if a particular application should be allowed to run.

Courtesy of Apple

The iPhone 2.x software used in the iPhone 3G appears to have the ability to disable applications installed on the iPhone. On the iPhone Atlas web site, Jonathan Zdziarski reports that Apple has set up an Internet server that the iPhone can check in with, to see if a particular application should be allowed to run.

Some users are complaining that this is some sort of DRM (Digital Rights Management) scheme, or a way to prevent customers from loading applications that weren't purchased from Apple's App Store. But a quick visit to the URL shows that its purpose seems to be blacklisting iPhone applications that may be malicious in nature. If a user unwittingly installs some form of malware, the iPhone won't run the application.

All in all, it seems like a good idea for Apple to disable potentially malicious applications, especially since Apple is supposed to screen iPhone applications purchased through the App Store. Even with this screening, it's reasonable to assume that a developer could accidentally write code that includes a bug that could cause devastating problems. Of course, a developer could also intentionally try to sneak a malicious application past Apple and onto the iPhones.

What do you think? Is the kill switch a good idea or is it intrusive? Stop by the Focus on Macs forums and share your thoughts.

Apple routinely holds a September press event to unveil new products. While iPods are the usual product de jour, Apple has also used the September press event to tease Mac users with upcoming products. The iTV, later called AppleTV, was a September 2006 teaser.

Courtesy of Apple

Speculation about this September's announcements runs to new iPods, including a redesigned iPod touch with a lower entry-level price. According to research firm Piper Jaffray, a new MacBook may also be in the September mix.

The September press event is always geared toward products that will be available for the upcoming holiday season, so iPods are a given. Anticipation is running high for a new MacBook, but is September the right venue? It's possible. A MacBook would certainly make a wonderful (if pricey) Christmas gift, and would leave room for a new MacBook Pro to be unveiled at the January MacWorld.

What do you think September will bring? Stop by the Focus on Macs forums and let us know.