Submitted by Chad Shmukler on
Shortly after iTunes 7.4 was released, users were greeted by the discovery of a MacRumors forum user which revealed a way to sync custom ringtones to your iPhone for free, simply by renaming files. Immediately following was a great deal of speculation as to whether this "loophole" was left open by Apple intentionally, or if it was a rookie-like mistake.
Unfortunately, the latter seems to be the case. Within 24 hours of releasing iTunes 7.4, users were alerted
to the availability of iTunes 7.4.1. Much to the chagrin of some, iTunes 7.4.1 no longer allows the free ringtone workaround. Instead, users are greeted by a message which informs them that their renamed ringtone track "was not copied to the iPhone ... because it cannot be played on this iPhone".
By in large, there's considerable dissapointment from the iPhone community. Sure, no one likes free stuff given and then taken away, but the complaint seems to be more in regards to rapid nature of Apple's response to the ringtone loophole. Many users are criticizing Apple for being slow to issue updates for many outstanding issues with the iPhone that affect iPhone owners (volume problems, syncing issues, etc), yet when faced with a software issue that affects Apple itself - an update was made available within a single day.
For those of you who still have iTunes 7.4 installed, you may want to hold off on updating to 7.4.1 for the time being (for one thing, the only thing it seems to contain is the fix to close the free ringtone loophole).If you haven't yet read about how to use the loophole to get free ringtones, you won't find details on this method here on iPhoneFAQ (now that it is kind-of-sort-of obsolete we're not going to bother), it was reported here, there, and everywhere so you shouldn't have any trouble finding instructions.
Comments
Fender replied on Permalink
There's Apple's true colors coming back out.
Greedy bastards. God forbid we should be able to use music we've ALREADY PAID FOR as ringtones without giving Steve Jobs MORE MONEY.
Wyatt replied on Permalink
Its a licensing issue. Apple isnt the greedy bastard in this case...its the music companies. When we buy songs, we're buying the rights to play them in the privacy of our own house/car/etc. The ringtone counts as a "public performance", and as such is covered under a different license, which we have to purchase. If Apple didnt respond to this, they could get sued.
Wyatt replied on Permalink
And speaking of greedy bastards, dont forget all the other cell phone companies that charge you $2-$3 every 60 days or so for the same feature (except you dont get to pick the position/length). I'd say Apple is either being quite charitable, or else they were able to strike up quite a bit better contract with the music studios.
Wyatt's Enemy replied on Permalink
Hey Wyatt, your forgetting one thing! Other mobile phone companies 'ALLOW YOU' to 'USE' music and sounds OFF YOUR PHONE, as message tones, and ringtones.!!
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Well, either way. It still points out a big Apple reality.
We've all been suffering from volume issues and now iTunes broke syncing for countless people.
Where's that update, Apple? 24 hours and the ringtone issue is fixed, because their ass was on the line, but the issues we're dealing with ... well, we can wait ages for those to be fixed.
Sit back, relax, take your time Apple. We don't mind.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Steve Jobs is an asshole, basically. I'm so not going to buy another Apple product. Fuck them.
chongo replied on Permalink
Only problem being that their products are superior to the other stuff out there.
Yes, Apple can be assholes, but I'm still on board.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
It isn't Steve Jobs. It is the record, movie and TV companies that are creating all the problems.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Nice real grown up like comment dude, get educated dumbass
Anonymous replied on Permalink
forget paying apple for ringtones, use iPhoneRingToneMaker
Allison replied on Permalink
Hey, anyone interested in making their own ringtones in iTunes for FREE, out of your own MP3s (whether or not you bought it originally on iTunes) you must check out my tutorial here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230272258711
It is super easy, takes less than a minute from start to finish to make your own ringtone, best of all–NO software to buy, NO hacks, no modifications of your iPhone. All you need is iTunes and Windows and some sweet MP3s, and you will be set to create unlimited free ringtones!
Alice replied on Permalink
You can download iphone ringtones free from http:///www.outerspaceringtones.com - cool site, you don't have to sign up for anything!
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Interesting info i did not know about it :)
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