I get that Apple doesn't want GPL code included in their software, but their engineers can still use GPL tools without fear of opening up their proprietary code. I know of plenty of companies where you can not INCLUDE GPL code in the software the company makes, but I don't know of any company that says you can not USE any GPL software to do your job. Those are two different things.

For the six month contract I did at Apple, they were violently opposed to using any GPL software in any way, shape, or form.

Just because you can do something, doesn't necessarily mean you should. That rule applies to the implementation of corporate policies regarding licensing, too.