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# Apple Fails In Attempt To Stop Ringtone “Pirates”
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/apple-fails-in/
- Published: 2007-09-10T06:56:44.000Z
- Updated: 2007-09-10T06:56:44.000Z
- Description: A game of cat and mouse is developing between Apple and some iPhone users. Apple has just released a software upgrade that prevents users from turning tracks they purchase into. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2007/09/apple-fails-in.html]
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: Apps, Mobile & SMS, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 11:06

A game of cat and mouse is developing between Apple and some iPhone users. Apple has

[![Iphone](https://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/images/2007/09/10/iphone.jpg "Iphone")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/09/10/iphone.jpg&ref=hypebot.com)

just released a software upgrade that prevents users from turning tracks they purchase into  
ringtones.

But as early as Saturday new work-arounds were being posted on the net, and third party apps like [iToner](http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/itoner/?ref=hypebot.com) had upgraded to again make ringtone creation easy. Apple’s new concern with ringtone creation seems aimed a protecting a its own custom ringtone maker [announced](http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/09/05/ringtones/index.php?ref=hypebot.com) last week which requires track purchase from iTunes and a 99 cent fee.

**COMMENTARY:** It seems short sighted that anyone in the music or download industry should waste so much energy restricting consumer use of purchased tracks. After all, isn’t re-conversion from P2P grabber to buyer essential to the music industy’s future?

Apple’s moves will annoy only a small percentage of its customers, but it this is the same small tech savvy group that serves as trend setters and guides for their peers.