Comment by Someone

> I predict that Apple will at one point start selling software as a subscription

That’s not a difficult prediction. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Arcade:

“Apple Arcade is a video game subscription service offered by Apple Inc. It is available through a dedicated tab of the App Store on devices running iOS 13, tvOS 13, iPadOS 13, and macOS Catalina or later. The service launched on September 19, 2019 after being announced in March 2019”

They also have “hardware as a service”. https://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program:

“The easiest way to upgrade to the latest iPhone. Get a new iPhone every year AppleCare+ coverage included Works with your carrier Starting from $35.33/month”