Chicago (IL) - It is common for the software industry to squash bugs with a software update - only to inadvertently create more bugs in the process. And apparently, with smartphones it's no exception. iPhone users have felt this on their own skin several times, most recently with the latest maintenance 2.2.1 firmware that has been reported to crash iTunes during syncing. Fortunately, this time around, Apple moved quickly with a fix via low-key email sent just to the affected users.
Although the iPhone/iPod touch 2.2.1 firmware posted last is just a maintenance update fixing several issues without bringing in major new end-user features, a portion of users have been complaining that the update has somehow messes up with iTunes on their desktop, causing it to crash during syncing with both iPhones and iPods. Apple remained mum on the matter, but it now appears the company has silently acknowledged the issue after all. According to various online reports, Apple has emailed affected customers to inform them that the issue, which Apple claims impacted "a small number of users", can be easily resolved.
Since iTunes sends crash reports to Apple, the company was apparently able to pick accounts being potentially affected and emailing only this subset of users. Although Apple's fix solves the issue for most affected consumers, some users report they had to "purchase" free application on the App Store (via iTunes, of course) after following Apple's steps in order for the fix to work.
Here is what Apple's email reads in its entirety:
Although the iPhone/iPod touch 2.2.1 firmware posted last is just a maintenance update fixing several issues without bringing in major new end-user features, a portion of users have been complaining that the update has somehow messes up with iTunes on their desktop, causing it to crash during syncing with both iPhones and iPods. Apple remained mum on the matter, but it now appears the company has silently acknowledged the issue after all. According to various online reports, Apple has emailed affected customers to inform them that the issue, which Apple claims impacted "a small number of users", can be easily resolved.
Since iTunes sends crash reports to Apple, the company was apparently able to pick accounts being potentially affected and emailing only this subset of users. Although Apple's fix solves the issue for most affected consumers, some users report they had to "purchase" free application on the App Store (via iTunes, of course) after following Apple's steps in order for the fix to work.
Here is what Apple's email reads in its entirety:
Dear Customer,
Recently, we uncovered an issue which was causing iTunes to unexpectedly quit when synced with an iPod or an iPhone. This issue impacted a small number of users, and we have identified your account as potentially being affected.
If you have experienced this issue, please follow these steps in order to sync your iPod or iPhone with iTunes:
1. Launch iTunes
2. Select "Deauthorize Computer" from the Store menu
3. Enter your iTunes Store Account ID and Password, then click the Deauthorize button
4. Next, choose "Authorize Computer" from the Store menu
5. Enter your iTunes Store Account ID and Password, then click the Authorize button
Once you have successfully deauthorized and reauthorized your computer, you should be able to sync your iPod or iPhone to iTunes.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that you may have experienced as a result of this issue.
Thank you for being an iTunes Store customer.
iTunes Store Team