It seems that Apple have decided to bite the bullet and get in line with the popular 2.2 standard to end this perennial confusion. This is a major step for Apple to take and I imagine they had to think long and hard over it, but it’s probably for the best in the long term.

Luckily, Apple has finally come to their senses and will be joining the rest of the technology world by setting gamma 2.2 as the default in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Their official reason for the change is to “better meet the needs of digital content producers and consumers,” according to early 10.6 seed notes. Making the switch to 2.2 will make a Mac’s display a tad darker with a pinch more contrast — a good move in my book.

And, to play devil’s advocate for a moment, I’m not sure the decision is entirely unreasonable. Don’t think about it in terms of Apple’s relationship with its carrier partners, but instead think about it in terms of Apple’s competition with Google. Google Voice is a mobile phone service provided by the maker of one of the biggest competitors to the iPhone OS. What if Google Voice were instead Microsoft Voice? And what if Windows Mobile were as modern and competitive as Android? Would you be as surprised then that Apple is discouraging iPhone owners from using the service? Just saying.

It’s a sobering reminder of what Apple’s total control over the iPhone platform really means. For the first time, it’s denying people exciting new features and possibilities, without even a semblance of benefit or concern for users. Maybe it’s a catfight with Google. Maybe AT&T finally found a clause in its contract that didn’t make them Apple’s bitch. Either way, it’s just depressing.