Apple released a knowledge base article on Tuesday that could be interpreted as a warning to Palm Pre owners that they won't always be able to synchronize music between iTunes and their smartphone.

The article states, in part, "Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple's iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players."

The iPod and iPhone are the only devices Apple supports for iTunes synchronization, but that hasn't stopped other companies from releasing media players in the past that claim to be compatible with Apple's jukebox application. Palm is the latest player to join that camp with its new Palm Pre, although the device doesn't support playing copy-protected music files.

Palm seems to be taking the KB article as posturing on Apple's part, and is claiming the Mac and iPod maker would be hurting customers if it blocked Pre syncing.

"If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience," Palm spokesperson Lynn Fox told AllThingsD. "However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider."

While Apple's KB article appears to be a thinly veiled threat aimed at Palm, it could simply be a preemptive move to protect itself should a future software change unintentionally break syncing with non-Apple products. Either way, Palm Pre users will have to watch iTunes updates closely to make sure they don't lose the ability to share music with their smartphone.