Because that's Apple. Just like how they forces everyone to come in office three days a week. Not every company does that -- some big companies are still quite flexible with full remote work. But this is Apple.
It's confusing that folks are upset about this. If it doesn't work for you, don't work for Apple. It's like complaining about the neighbor who bakes great apple pies also happens to not let their children play video games. The children may be upset by why would you be?
> It's confusing that folks are upset about this. If it doesn't work for you, don't work for Apple.
While you are indeed free not to work for Apple (that is what I do!), policies in FAANG companies have significant influence on smaller companies who tend to cargo cult them without much thinking. That is how we end up with leetcode-style interviews, now I'm afraid we all might end up back in office, only even worse one than before where you don't even have assigned table in the open-space.