RIM Not Thrilled About Apple’s Allegations

Apple is a company under siege right now. They’re backed into a corner, and they’re coming out fighting. Software updates, press conferences, and no doubt soon a letter from Steve Jobs himself titled “Thoughts On Innovative But Ultimately Flawed Smart Phone Antenna Designs”.

One aspect of Apple’s carefully assembled defense wasn’t fully appreciated by the other company involved though. Blackberry maker RIM apparently wasn’t too thrilled that Apple demonstrated to the world that their phones are just as susceptible to antenna issues as the iPhone 4.

Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, co-CEOs of RIM responded quickly and angrily, saying Apple should take full responsibility for the antenna issue, and that RIM customers certainly don’t need a case to be able to successfully make and receive calls.

“Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation.”

While RIM is correct that this is Apple’s problem and Apple should take full responsibility, they don’t actually address the fact that the issue does in fact exist in the Blackberry Bold 9700 smartphone.

It’s reasonable that RIM should be upset at Apple’s attempt to drag them into the quagmire, and you can’t blame them for taking the chance to score a point or two on the issue of iPhone users having to rely on cases.

I just hope RIM doesn’t experience some kind of internal tech problem with a phone down the line.