[qq66]

I think the main reason that Apple doesn't include MicroSD is that they want to control the entire product experience, including data ingress and egress. Not only to protect lucrative margins, but also because they know that if the user screws something up by deleting files off the SD card etc, they'll blame Apple whether that's fair or not.

That assertion of control makes iOS unsuitable for many users, but Apple has consciously chosen a market segment and its proven itself a large one.

[Glide]

I wonder what the genius bar lines would be like if Apple products were a lot more open and allowed for that kind of customizability.

There's probably some correlation between simple(r) products and good customer service.

[barista]

Also because they can charge $100 for 16 GB of storage. The same microsd card would cost you $10 or less.