Topic: Why doesn't Apple license out their operating systems to other hardware companies?

As we all know, Apple is very protective of their software and hardware. They want complete control of things. I'm referring to both computers and smartphones, you can only find iOS and Mac OS on an Apple device.

Microsoft and Google do the complete opposite of Apple, they license out their software to other hardware manufacturers. You don't see a Windows PC that's only made by Microsoft, or an Android phone that's only made by Google.

Should Apple stop being so arrogant and open up their software to different hardware manufacturers? Imagine seeing an HTC phone using iOS, or an HP computer using Mac OS.

I'd rather them stick to keeping the OS to themselves. I like Apple hardware and after seeing the debacle of Apple allowing Apple computer clones back in the late 80's, I like things just the way they are.

it's a little something called quality control, they want to make sure that if your get something with the Apple logo anywhere near it, that it's going to be a quality product

Microsoft has allowed their OS on different PCs, and Google opened up Android to all smartphone companies. So why can't it work with Apple?

Windows is on practically every PC in the world, and Microsoft still has full control of the OS (updates, tech support, etc.). Microsoft handles quality control themselves.

If Microsoft can have Windows on different PCs & smartphones and still maintain control, then Apple can do it with their OS' (Mac and iOS).

what I mean to say is, you can get a windows PC, and while the OS is standard, the hardware is often substandard (see: my last laptop) Apple is simply keeping control over the hardware you receive with the software, making sure it all is quality work

Ah i see. But that just makes them look like a monopoly (having full control of their own hardware and software).

their intellectual property, their discretion what they do with it, monopoly would be if they were the ONLY ones who made computers

They have a monopoly over their software.

that's not really a monopoly, monopoly occurs when no comparable products (ie windows or linux, from with OSX is distantly derived) exist

I don't mean compared to other OS's. Apple keeps their software only for their products, they don't license it to anyone, meaning they have full control over it.

And thus full quality control. You don't see how this discussion is running around in circles?

Definition of monopoly:

exclusive control of a commodity or service in a particular market, or a control that makes possible the manipulation of prices.

They have no control of either the OS or the hardware market.

After going through all these posts... I have to ask myself, why was this thread created in the first place? I have no idea about business except that it's one of those things that you can either be exceptional at or just downright rubbish... but I have to say this, what's so wrong about them keeping it to themselves? They invented it, surely they should be able to do whatever they like with it. And keeping it to themselves they have better quality control, as so many others have already mentioned.

I call the car!

I love when people do that. It means I get the battleship.

Battleship is my 2nd fave. If someone gets the car before I do then I go for the battleship. If all is lost, I just don't play, _{or play the corrupt banker.}

He was asking a question, not stating a definitive argument. The clue was the question mark.

Tendoboy, as others have begun to explain, Apple doesn't license its software because they don't want other companies putting their software on crappy hardware and making a bad name for the company. Think of how Nintendo makes their consoles. They always ask their in-house developers what they want, and this allows them to make hardware that suits their software just right. If someone else makes the hardware, they lose that. Obviously they also want to make all the money from their software, and that too is their right. I'm sure I'm simplifying their reasons, but you should get the point.

And about monopoly, you misunderstand the term. No one else can produce Wiis but Nintendo. However, monopoly is not about specific brands of things. As long as Nintendo isn't making the only video game console there is, they are not considered to have a monopoly. You can't have a monopoly on Wiis, and you can't have a monopoly on Macs. It's not what the word means.

Also, you suckers forgot the thimble. Dibs.

Ah. I got confused when he said "Should Apple stop being so arrogant"

Because he sure as hell never asked "is Apple arrogant?"

Rather strange assumption, that.

If we could all focus our arguments on the thread at hand and stop with the comments on the nature of the OP, I'd really appreciate it. Also, the cutesy joke threads every time tendoboy posts something are old and need to stop. Refute his arguments all you like, but please leave the insults at home — if that's all you want to do, give the thread its due by ignoring it. :3
_{just so y'all know, everything i left standing is fine. if you want to joke around, all I ask is that it's not at the direct expense of the OP. thank you!}