If you read a bit about it, you'll understand that Apple did not copy the Alto—they did something that was actually way harder. They created a better version of

If you read a bit about it, you'll understand that Apple did not copy the Alto—they did something that was actually way harder. They created a better version of what the Alto was attempting to do, and got it to run on lower-grade hardware they could sell for 1/10th the cost. But yes, Xerox knew exactly what they were doing when they invited Steve and his team in.