It's a strategic cash pile that could be used by Apple to further increase shareholder value. If they want it back now, they can raise a shareholder revolt and

It's a strategic cash pile that could be used by Apple to further increase shareholder value. If they want it back now, they can raise a shareholder revolt and replace the board. Good luck with that. Such a move would also be expressing a massively pessimistic outlook on AAPL's future. You don't see this so much with 'successful' companies with CEO's that carry mostly good will.