How long until Microsoft uses this as a precedent to prevent Apples from running Windows?
Why on earth would they want to do that? Apple sells hardware, Microsoft doesn’t. Apple has an interest in people only running OS X on Apple hardware. Microsoft has an interest in selling as many copies of Windows 7 regardless of what hardware they run on.
If Apple were ever to pre-install Windows on Macs, without being licensed to do so and against MicroSoft’s wishes, and then attempt to sell them configured in that manner, they might have a case. As it stands, they wouldn’t.
Apple has staked its reputation upon making the “whole widget,” to provide as seamless and smooth of an experience as possible. The operating system is designed specifically for the hardware. That there are individuals who have created a “Hackintosh” for themselves, by running a copy of Mac OS on an otherwise Windows PC, is beside the point. Such individuals can’t make any warranty claims, and bugs are their own problem, not Apple’s. Pre-installed right out of the box is another matter.
Never because it’s not a precedent.
Microsoft’s argument has always been “everybody uses Microsoft Windows so the 11th commandment is Thou Shalt have Microsoft Windows preinstalled and licensed on every x86 PC sold”.
In order to be consistent and maintain their illegal monopoly they’re more likely to argue that every x86 Mac requires a Microsoft Windows license whether it is used or not.
MS couldn't do that because it would be an antitrust violation.
Why would that happen? Microsoft's business model depends on companies such as Apple allowing their OS to run on their hardware. Apple's business model does not.