Credit:UPI

“We’re requiring a credit or debit card for payment to discourage unauthorized resellers,” said Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris, calling the demand for the iPhone “off the charts.”

The previous limit was five iPhones per person, which tempted hackers to buy in quantity to resell or unlock them from their intended use with AT&T Mobility, reported Zdnet.

Apple believes that of the 1.4 million iPhones bought since they came on the market in late June, an estimated 250,000 were purchased to unlock them, Wired News said Saturday.

The new restrictions also are aimed at ensuring enough iPhones for increased holiday sales. Analysts estimate Apple’s iPhone manufacturing capability is restricted to no more than 500,000 iPhones a month.

MY TAKE:
This is getting ridiculous. Although in a free market, Apple has every right to do whatever they choose, I believe that they are wasting too much energy and effort on things like this. That effort could be put into more beneficial things…..like 3rd party apps before Feb. 2008. Besides, these “unauthorized resellers” are going to find a way around these roadblocks anyway.