Consider that Apple is America's most profitable corporation. They do squeeze people with software restrictions; and it is a core part of their strategy. But the focus of Apple has never been 'our software is rare', it has always been 'faster processor, thinner phone, better screen'. The artificial restrictions on the software aren't at all beneficial to the software or the programmers; they are part of a strategy to make the hardware more valuable. It is a strategic element to help their hardware resist the commodification of smartphones.

If they had inferior hardware then the restricted software strategy would see them crushed under the booted heal of groups like Samsung.