An industry group is the latest to throw a spanner in Palm’s efforts to get its Pre to sync with iTunes. After Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) changed a feature in its software that let other devices mimic an iPhone or iPod, Palm set up a workaround for the Pre that psyched computer USB ports into recognizing the device as an iPod or iPhone by using an Apple hardware vendor code. That worked until the last iTunes software change.

As for the codes, they’re assigned by a standards group, the USB Implementers Forum, which the AP reports is not too thrilled with Palm (NSDQ: PALM). The device maker complained to the group that Apple was blocking it; instead, the group told Palm it would be in violation if the Pre software is modified again to restore the iTunes sync. Palm told AP it’s reviewing the warning. I expect this version of Spy V. Spy to keep going; the sync feature matters too much to Palm’s image of the Pre.