Apple's privacy stance is really just marketing, like "There's nothing so absurd that if you repeat it often enough, people will believe it."

You don't have to use an apple device for more than a minute to realize this.

For example, you cannot use a new apple iphone without activating it with apple.

In the first screen or two, you are presented with their privacy policy, with is literally hundreds of pages long.

The rest of the setup is full of dark patterns, and even though it is GDPR compliant, it is very hard not to come out of the process without signing in or allowing them access to your data.

I think all of this comes from "business common sense" which is based on fear. They want data (and control) because it is an easier and more guaranteed way to make and sell things.

The only way out of this (for all of us) is actually robust competition by someone who will do it right and not collect data in the first place. (hint: it will help if they use rounded corners, gradients and transparency)