That it’s the price of a games console.

Why is a general purpose computer pegged to the price of a video game console most commonly sold at a loss?

Because the general population of americans probably also doesn’t pay more than that for a computer

Then they’ll get it second hand like many people get iPhones. You can even be 2 or 3 generations behind so long as the tech was the best at its time, it’ll endure.

Since when does Apple predominately sell to the general population.

They have always preferred premium users and their success to date suggests this is a good strategy.

57% of Americans have iPhones.

Which disproves the claim that the general population does not pay above $500 for a computer.

You make the assumption that most people buy iphones for full price. They still offer free iphones through carrier subsidy. For other apple products you need sufficient credit to get approved for their installment payment plans because its through the Apple card and not subsidized by the carrier.

Only if it’s a computer that does exactly what they need.