the mac is a desktop/laptop w/ an OS (since they force you to put it on the proprietary hardware)
the iphone is an embedded platform. software for the iphone can be created on any OS/platform that supports the emulator and tools. (like Windows, linux, etc)
what is really funny is how the indy developers have no problem writing software that can ONLY be sold to customers through Apple for a fee which goes directly to Apple. not to mention, they don’t seem to mind doing the work for free... stocking the iphone app shelves... strictly on the promise of getting a percentage of the purchase price.
just imagine the outcry if BGates decided to decree that all software to be run on a Windows box MUST be bought AND sold through Microsoft. too funny.
"They" don't force you to put it anywhere, sten. You are free to not buy a Mac and buy a Windows or Linux computer instead.