Microsoft founder Bill Gates has banned his family from using Apple's iPhone and iPod gadgets.

In an interview to Vogue magazine, Melinda Gates has revealed that Bill has barred in three kids, Jennifer, 13, Rory, 10 and Phoebe, 7 from using any of the Apple products.

"There are very few things that are on the banned list in our household. But iPods and iPhones are two things we don't get for our kids," the Telegraph quoted her as saying.

However, Melinda herself is swayed by Apple's iPhone device, which combines a touch-screen music player and web browser with a fully featured mobile phone.

"Every now and then I look at my friends and say, 'Ooh, I wouldn't mind having that iPhone'," she added.