Wil Shipley’s written a superb essay on the dangerous game Apple’s playing:

But why is the iPhone locked to a single carrier, so I can’t travel internationally with it? There’s really only one viable reason: Apple wanted a share of the carrier’s profits, which meant giving AT&T an exclusive deal. Which meant, we get screwed so Apple can make more money. It’s that simple.

Of course – as one commenter notes – Apple’s ultimate responsibility is to make money for its shareholders. But…

That sure reminds me of the old, crappy Apple. The one that almost went bankrupt because of its hubris.

Interesting stuff.

[Via Daring Fireball]