Why is Apple getting singled out for this? I just checked, Dell and HP sell consumer-grade computers with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSDs. The reason they do so is that for most users it's plenty.
My M1 Mac Mini with 8GB of RAM runs Xcode, the iOS Simulator, and a couple browser tabs on dual monitors without any hiccups. This is really a non-issue.
Mainly because of price. The #1 best selling laptop on Amazon right now has 8gb of ram, but it costs $299. People spending 2x or 3x the price of an entry-level laptop expect more.
iPhones and iPads have 6GB of RAM, can edit 4K60 video, and people love them.
What makes some people think using Chrome makes them special? If they have a business case for more memory, then the price difference should be negligible, right?
My M1 Mac Mini with 8GB of RAM runs Xcode, the iOS Simulator, and a couple browser tabs on dual monitors without any hiccups. This is really a non-issue.