To me there is no doubt that this is a strategic move. The business strategy 101 is to amplify your strengths, and create a “chain” of value that is difficult

To me there is no doubt that this is a strategic move. The business strategy 101 is to amplify your strengths, and create a “chain” of value that is difficult to imitate by copying only one link. Apple’s focus on privacy is hard to imitate for Google: Apple business doesn’t depends on ads, they control the whole production chain of the iPhone and the software that goes in it. Google can put a lot of security enhancements in Android, but they don’t control what Samsung or other manufacturers do with it. So the “we care about your privacy” message, is not because they are altruistic; and it’s ok by me :) (I’m writing this from an iPhone).