What's Apple response...

[Mikuro]

There is no one level of "OS X security", though. Login passwords are not very secure. Encrypted disk images (like what File Vault uses) are pretty good, but it's unlikely the iPhone will offer that. Even if it inherits that core functionality from OS X, I doubt Apple will put in any way to access it.

I wouldn't recommend leaving unencrypted sensitive information on any device that could easily be lost/stolen/"borrowed".


Personally, I don't buy the security issue at all. Since when do phones need to be more secure than computers? It's also hard to imagine it being that hard to make it secure when it's based on OS X. Basically, I think it's just an excuse. The real reason could just be to avoid bad PR and FUD. After all, they don't just need to make it secure; they need to make it look secure, too.

It could also be that they intend to use a licensing system, so that other companies can develop apps, but only if they go through Apple, similar to what they've done with the iPod.

[symphonix]

Originally Posted by Mikuro

After all, they don't just need to make it secure; they need to make it look secure, too.

That sounds about right. If Apple said "Yes, here is the SDK and you can develop applications for the iPhone that access all of its hardware and software features" then some potential buyers would be put off by worries about security. I figure at the moment Apple are trying to strike a balance that will give the iPhone the best start it can get.

[Natobasso]

http://www.apple.com/iphone/technology/osx.html

http://www.apple.com/iphone/technology/specs.html