[ben_w]

When I chose "might be" rather than "are indeed", that was to say it's not impossible rather than to outright agree. Other companies do have loss-leaders, I cannot rule out the possibility that Apple also does exactly what was asserted in the comment I was replying to.

[qwytw]

I'm not sure even if that was the case it would fit the definition of a "loss-leader" unless we assume that Apple makes back the loss and more through the App Store and other services which seems extremely unlikely.

Otherwise who would selling laptops at a loss increase the sales of higher-end laptops, most people don't buy both.

> I cannot rule out the possibility

That seems like an extremely high-bar.

[ben_w]

> That seems like an extremely high-bar.

Ironically, it was an attempt to avoid an argument about that point :P

I think it's at least possible for this scenario, given they make more from services than from macs: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/fy2024-q1/FY24_Q1_Consol...

I'd still be on the surprised side if so, but it would be mild surprise rather than shock.

[qwytw]

> given they make more from services than from macs:

Almost all of that comes from iPhones/iPad/etc. services. Also IIRC 1/4 of their services revenue is just the $20 billion Google is paying them every year.

> but it would be mild surprise rather than shock.

Alright, you might be right. However, while I'm not shocked but still more than mildly surprised that there are people who think that this might be possible.