Years ago this is exactly what happened with Windows XP. I still see the odd one hanging around somehow. I suspect this will be very similar.

Fortunately platforms like docs are providing sufficient competition that I don’t think they’d be able to lock it down as effectively as they once could.

ah damn it’s been so long too

iCloud for sure basically ropes you into a subscription if you want to do the backups with them as the free-tier is basically peanuts for space, but outside that (unless that’s what you mean) I don’t think they have any subscriptions that are really opt-out?

I absolutely agree they get you roped into the ecosystem though, the hardware cohesion makes it difficult to purchase outside of their line.

They meant better than what MS is doing. Basically Linux would be choice one, but failing that get a Mac. Until they go the same direction.