Jobs Confirms iPhone Kill Switch, Enormous App Sales

A rumor debunked? I think not. A few days ago, news circulated that Apple has the power to switch off applications (which they’ve already paid for) from people’s iPhone 3Gs, if they deem the apps malicious. It didn’t take long for the “rumor” to be debunked. But guess what—Steve himself confirmed what’s now termed as the “kill switch.”

A Wall Street Journal article published yesterday confirms two things we already knew: first is that the Apple App Store is a booming marketplace, and second is the reality of the kill switch. Apparently, an average of $1 million worth of applications for the iPhone 3G has been sold by the App Store everyday for a month. The top ten earners have actually earned $9 million of the $30 million total. Regarding the infamous kill switch, Jobs claims it’s needed in case they accidentally allow a malicious program in the App Store. Of the switch, Jobs says: “Hopefully we never have to pull that lever, but we would be irresponsible not to have a lever like that to pull.” (Will the real Big Brother, please stand up?)

While I agree with that sentiment, I believe the kill switch is a double-edged sword at best. I think a better approach would be to make absolutely sure there are no malicious applications mixed in with legit ones for sale; but then again, Apple might have its reasons. What do YOU think?

via WSJ