> I always thought the reasons Apple snubbed Facebook were out of values and principles not business.

Apple is showing a masterclass of how to tow the line perfectly. Or more candily "have the cake and eat it too".

If you ask anyone, what's one company that'll stand up to government requests, most reasonable people would say Apple. Yet, Apple is extremely strategic when it comes to China. It thrives in that country, without being associated with CCP.

Same here - they are happy to partner with Meta, without getting any of the bad "aura".

To be clear, all companies do this just that Apple alone has a successful strategy here. Tim Cook personally gifted the current adminstration with a gold plaque, something none of the other "dirty" CEOs did. Such a public gesture, yet nobody would think that Apple is in bed with the current administration. Its marvelous to see this happen in real time.

Apple also was one of the largest contributors to the ballroom. They're not maintaining much of a "moat" between the company and the administration.