I came to the realization that I couldn’t think of an example of when vertical integration isn’t just an older name for enshittification. Apple owning an app store, Amazon being a marketplace and seller, etc. What examples of vertical integration aren’t bad? Are there any?
You’re not wrong, hence my mention about them being no saint. But you can’t argue the fact the with all of the open standards available, none of them work nearly as well as Apple’s implementations. I say this using both Mac and Linux interchangeably on a daily basis. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. When I need a space for creative work, I use my Mac. When I need a space for gaming or experimental software or programming, I use Linux. When I’m feeling masochistic, I save a VM of Windows Me for late nights when the roommate’s not around.