Apple have released an advisory warning that they do not plan to support third-party devices that claim to synchronize with iTunes, and moreover that future versions of the software may break that functionality.  The announcement is being seen as a response to Palm’s iTunes compatibility, where the Pre presents itself as an iPod and can be synchronized with non-DRM music and media organized by iTunes.

“Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple’s iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players.” Apple

However, Palm are of the opinion that locking the Pre out of iTunes would only damage Apple’s reputation.  Their argument is the same as was suggested when the iTunes announcement was first made: that Apple will appear petty if they move to limit access to the software.

“Palm’s media sync works with the current version of iTunes. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider.” Lynn Fox, spokesperson, Palm

Of course, if Apple do not block the Pre’s synchronization abilities with iTunes, they’re also leaving themselves open to future user migration from the iPhone to the Palm smartphone.  The nature of the way that the Pre presents itself to iTunes – as an actual iPod, not a third-party device – means that any casual change Apple might make would be unlikely to remove Pre compatibility; doing so might in the process break legacy iPod support.  Instead, Apple would have to specifically target the Pre by identifying it and blocking it.