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According to The Register, a researcher has discovered a URL linking over to Apple's web site buried in the iPhone firmware which appears to point to an application blacklist, a feature which could potentially allow Apple to retroactively remove applications it no longer finds favorable.

The URL, which was first reported by iPhone Atlas, seems to contain a test entry called "Malicious" and described as "Being really bad!". Such a database of blacklisted applications would only make sense if all iPhones were regularly connecting to it and comparing the list to their installed applications, though what action the handset would take if it found a match is unknown.

Jonathan Zdziarski, who discovered the URL in the iPhone's firmware, stated that it's possible that the functionality has yet to be activated even if the file is live. Zdziarski also pointed out that the unique way the iPhone is tied into iTunes allows the company to make sweeping changes to a large number of handsets with relative ease.

Even if iPhones aren't calling home today, they may in the future with Apple possibly deeming an application to be malicious and having its icon disappear from the iPhone's home screen for good.

If you've heard anything from your end on this or have an opinion to share, let us know in the comments or forums.