The trick, reported by MacRumours, is simply a press of the “Emergency Call” key from the passcode entry screen, followed by a double-tap on the home button. That takes the miscreant into favourites, from which they can access the address book, from which they can get into the e-mail client (by tapping a contact’s e-mail address) or the browser (by tapping a URL).

Clearly Apple has missed a trick here, and a fix should be quickly forthcoming, but it bodes badly for a device which is trying to sell itself into the enterprise and is already under fire for lacking important security features.

Concerned users can secure their devices by disabling the home button double-tap (Settings > General > Home Button > Checkmark Home), though it really shouldn’t be working at all at that point.

Users might argue that a device password should never be relied upon, but one that is so trivial to bypass makes a mockery of the very concept. It’s unlikely that this security problem will do more than attract ridicule to the iPhone security model, but it’s ridicule that Apple could do without while they’re trying so hard to have the iPhone taken seriously as a business device.

The owner of the website iPhonehelpdesk.nl has allegedly emptied his offices in Amsterdam and disappeared without a word to his colleagues.

Like many other European countries, in the Netherlands the iPhone can only be ordered through T-Mobile along with a two year-subscription. The phone is locked, and can’t be used with other operators.

Robert van Zanten, 39, started the iPhonehelpdesk website just before the launch of the 3G iPhone in early July, promising fully working simlock-free phones. The company said it had secured a small batch of 3G iPhones, but didn’t say where they were from. It was deluged with orders and many customers paid up to make sure they got their iPhones. The sales reps then reported a serious delay, and angry customers began to demand answers.

Phone numbers were then shut down, mails remained unanswered and last week the website suddenly disappeared. Customers are fuming over the alleged scam and have filled iPhone and Mac forums with complaints. Some customers say they did get an iPhone, but these were first-generation locked iPhones from the US, with AT&T simcards.

According to his co-workers, Van Zanten wanted to order simlock-free phones from Italy but didn’t get them in time, and possibly simply panicked.

However, a Dutch anti-crime organisation which looked into the matter believes Van Zanten – who has no criminal record – planned his departure thoroughly by transferring the money in small batches of €25,000 to different accounts and emptying those accounts from different locations.

Van Zanten is believed to have fled to Russia, where his girlfriend lives. Dutch police are investigating.

Punters with last year’s models are rushing to upgrade to version 2, so they can download the applications Apple deems suitable. But it seems iTunes is having a hard time meeting demand, and while iPod Touch users can’t download the new software at all, iPhone users are reporting that the new software is cutting them off completely.

Yesterday Apple support was promising that the new software would be available for the iPod Touch within 24 hours, at a price. Today eager owners connecting to the online store are told on checking for updates that they can indeed lay their hands on version 2. But ask for more information and iTunes just sits around doing nothing.

None of this prevents the Touch user buying applications, or being charged for them – they just can’t install or run them without version 2 of the OS.

For iPhone users the situation is even worse, as once the upgrade is installed they are required to register with iTunes before their phone’s service returns to operation – but with iTunes playing hard to get, that’s very difficult. Several Reg readers report being cut off, though they do have the consolation of being able to buy a copy of Super Monkey and play it.

We spoke to O2 about the activation issue and are waiting to hear from them, but for the moment the best advice is probably to relax for a few days and get the update once things have calmed down. We promise not to tell anyone you weren’t at the cutting edge for 48 hours