The sentence means that Apple haven't simply / only / just followed the law as written, they have gone further than that and carved out specific exemptions in t

The sentence means that Apple haven't simply / only / just followed the law as written, they have gone further than that and carved out specific exemptions in the law for themselves. When you said, "I think they have followed the law as written." it sounds like you are challenging a claim that they haven't followed the law as written, but that wasn't the intent of the sentence. More clear? No laws were violated. A) I have not hit you, I have given you a hug. -> you did not get hit, you got a hug B) I have not just hit you, I have given you a hug. -> you got hit AND you got a hug