Earlier quoted context omitted.
When I chose "might be" rather than "are indeed", that was to say it's not impossible rather than to outright agree. Other companies do have loss-leaders, I cannot rule out the possibility that Apple also does exactly what was asserted in the comment I was replying to.
I'm not sure even if that was the case it would fit the definition of a "loss-leader" unless we assume that Apple makes back the loss and more through the App Store and other services which seems extremely unlikely. Otherwise who would selling laptops at a loss increase the sales of higher-end laptops, most people don't buy both. > I cannot rule out the possibility That seems like an extremely high-bar.
Ironically, it was an attempt to avoid an argument about that point :P
I think it's at least possible for this scenario, given they make more from services than from macs: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/fy2024-q1/FY24_Q1_Consol...
I'd still be on the surprised side if so, but it would be mild surprise rather than shock.