Question

what factors apple and Microsoft contributed to the outcome

Answer 1

I’m missing which “outcome” you mean — could you clarify? Examples I can explain (each bullet shows the main factors Apple and Microsoft contributed):

- Smartphone market (why Apple succeeded and Microsoft failed with phones)
- Apple: tight hardware/software integration (iPhone + iOS), App Store ecosystem and developer monetization, design/brand, supply-chain scale, strong marketing.
- Microsoft: late entry, app gap, poor OEM/partner execution (Nokia acquisition), platform fragmentation and developer uncertainty.

- PC/OS market outcome (Windows dominance over macOS historically)
- Microsoft: aggressive OEM licensing, Office+Windows bundle, strong developer and enterprise support, network effects.
- Apple: closed, premium hardware model, smaller OEM base, strength in niche/creative markets.

- Cloud and services (Azure vs Apple services)
- Microsoft: enterprise relationships, hybrid-cloud focus (Azure), broad developer/IT tooling, global datacenters.
- Apple: consumer services (iCloud, App Store) tied to hardware ecosystem, less enterprise cloud focus.

- Productivity/apps (Microsoft Office vs Apple iWork)
- Microsoft: Office ubiquity, file-format standards, enterprise deals and compatibility.
- Apple: free/bundled apps aimed at consumers, less enterprise adoption.

- Antitrust/App-ecosystem legal outcomes
- Apple: tight App Store control, 30% commission policy, privacy/security justifications; litigated and regulated.
- Microsoft: historical antitrust issues around bundling; legal settlements shaped platform behavior and regulation.

- Processor/architecture shift (Apple Silicon vs Windows on ARM)
- Apple: vertical control + ARM design (M1/M2), Rosetta for compatibility, strong performance/watt.
- Microsoft: limited Windows-on-ARM success, reliance on partners (Qualcomm), compatibility challenges.

Tell me which one you mean (or give a date/decision), and I’ll go into the specific factors and evidence.