[orangepanda]

You dont just get the current OS that's on the phone, but also the upcoming ones for the next 5-6 years[0] for free. A phone bought in 2015 still gets updates.

[0] https://i.imgur.com/eS3ifSC.jpg

[Hamuko]

And if my iPhone gets updates in 2025, it doesn't change the fact that I paid 1200 euro for it. How much is the raw manufacturing cost of the 11 Pro (256 GB)?

Also, if the App Store revenue is for iOS development, does that mean that people who buy an iPhone and never pay for an app or an IAP are a net loss to Apple?

[e12e]

By that rationale, windows 10 is free too.

[sumedh]

All those "free" upgrades are part of the phone when you buy it.

You cannot buy just the hardware without the OS at cheaper cost because its a combined hardware/OS cost.