Apple disables iTunes sync feature on Palm Pre

Apple Inc. has shut down one of the most compelling features on Palm Inc.'s rival Pre smart phone. Apple has crippled the Pre's ability to act like an iPod.

Users of the recently released Pre had been able to put music on the device by using Apple's free iTunes software — a unique twist for a device not made by Apple. But Apple updated iTunes to block this feature Wednesday.

Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said the update "disables devices falsely pretending to be iPods, including the Palm Pre."