One way Palm has tried to convince users to switch to the Pre smartphone was that you could still synchronize with Apple’s iTunes. Apple has interfered with that plan after a recent released update that botched the workaround, which in turn led the handheld computer maker to file a complaint with the USB Implementers Forum (who oversee such things).

Cell phone newsgroups are reporting that Palm filed a complaint with a trade group over Apple’s efforts to block the Palm Pre from syncing directly with iTunes software in a move that could force a third-party to resolve the matter. Many in these newsgroups believe that Apple wants to make sure the iPhone is the only cell phone that can do that. This may explain why Apple changed its software to block the Pre’s access to iTunes. Palm has filed a complaint with an industry group established by technology companies that developed the technology that links computers to other electronic devices, claiming Apple is restraining trade.

Many other devices and smartphones such as the BlackBerry can use Apple media software for transferring music with additional software. But because of the fact the Pre essentially spoofs its USB vendor ID to make iTunes believe it is an iPod makes it a threat to Apple. Its complaint to the group which manages the standards for USB alleges that Apple is misusing those standards by permitting only its own devices to use the application.

The Palm Pre has a large touch screen, slide-out keyboard and fast Web browsing. Palm has a lot riding on the Pre: many industry watchers see the device as the last hope for the company which has slowly been fading since its heyday when Palm Pilots were the rage, and its acquisition of Handspring’s Treo (which was one of the first smartphones that could be equipped with a portable newsgroup newsreader) helped catapult it into the smartphone industry. The Pre is a touch screen rival to Apple’s iPhone series, and one of its most appealing factors when it launched was that it could use Apple’s iTunes for synching and managing media files.

For Apple, the iTunes ecosystem has been a major reason why it was able to dominate the personal media player market with its iPod lineup, and the company won’t give up this advantage without a fight. Additionally, some industry watchers believe the main benefit of iTunes is making Apple’s hardware more appealing, as the company doesn’t generate much profits from selling digital music due to the royalties it pays the music industry.