Even granting that not everyone uses every app, Apple made and continues to maintain, improve, update, and support the thriving ecosystem (including many free a

Even granting that not everyone uses every app, Apple made and continues to maintain, improve, update, and support the thriving ecosystem (including many free apps) in which Amazon and Spotify can find the best audience. Including, with help from fees charged to developers and the 30% revenue cut, funding development of all the tools and platforms that make it all possible. Amazon and Spotify (and their customers) would not do as well without this ecosystem and its tools, devices, and platforms. I think the value of the ecosystem including all the aspects mentioned is huge. Device sales alone would not ever come close to paying for it all, if you want devices to be in reach of normal people and you don’t want to build your business off of intrusive personalized advertising.