[ZenoArrow]

Rooting is left in as a feature for those who want more access to the OS, it's equivalent to complaining about sudo. There are certainly vulnerabilities when it comes to Linux (for example, programs running through X.org are relatively easy to snoop on), the advantage with a Linux OS is that you can choose to make it more secure because of its modularity.

Apple has a different task ahead of it because it's responsible for the whole OS stack. A successful model to follow is Microsoft's, they take security patches seriously.

[ksk]

I was obviously referring to the practice of exploiting kernel vulnerabilities to gain root access to locked down phones.

[ZenoArrow]

Linux means more than just Android. Is Android going to have the best security out of the box? No. But that security can be improved if you want it to (checkout the Blackphone for example). With Apple devices you're reliant on Apple doing the security work, so like I said before it's better that they follow Microsoft's example of securing the devices.

[ksk]

I don't disagree, but this is tangential to my original point. :)