Adobe: Flash-free iPhone is All Apple's Fault

Adobe Flash isn't supported on the iPhone and now it seems the company wants to make sure everyone knows it's all Apple's fault. iPhone users have begun reporting that they're seeing a new message from Adobe when they visit Web sites with Flash-based content, and that message tells them to look to Apple for answers.

Adobe's message to iPhone users says "Apple restricts use of technologies required by products like Flash Player. Until Apple eliminates these restrictions, Adobe cannot provide Flash Player for the iPhone or iPod Touch. [sic]"

Apple has previously said that Adobe's Flash Player provides an unacceptable user experience on portable devices because it's feature limited, power hungry and sluggish. Until Adobe can produce a version of its mobile Flash Player that performs up to Apple's standards, the likelihood that Flash content will be available on the iPhone is nill.

Adobe, however, has already developed mobile versions of Flash Player and would like to see the software on the iPhone and iPod touch. While many people see the Flash-free iPhone as a win, viewing Flash-based Web sites with the handheld isn't possible, leaving a portion of the Internet locked away.

This seems to be just the latest salvo in the Flash war between Apple and Adobe. Since the two sides haven't been able to come to terms on their own, Adobe may be trying get customers to pressure Apple into allowing Flash on its handhelds.

How well that tactic pans out remains to be seen, but Apple isn't likely to budge until Adobe shows off a version of Flash that runs the way Apple wants -- and even that may not be enough.

[Thanks to Gear Diary for the heads up.]