I don't agree with this. I think Apple is right in that the real value comes from top to bottom integration.
For example, when they can ensure that there's a certain set of bluetooth and wireless chipsets, they can test against those, and have features tied to them. But that becomes increasingly difficult as you diversify hardware.
Except they aren't presenting any "value" right now. Everything is old and overpriced. It's been that way for the last 5 years. Many Mac users have been asking for an upgradable tower like the old G5's forever. We get jack shit.
I know it's a bad business move for Apple to license the OS. But, I'm failing to see a scenario where OEM's don't jump at the chance to make computers the integrate just as tightly as Apple does with their own hardware.
For example, when they can ensure that there's a certain set of bluetooth and wireless chipsets, they can test against those, and have features tied to them. But that becomes increasingly difficult as you diversify hardware.