Apple has a strong tradition of making the best possible user experience. Imagine the following scenario:
1. Sony Ericsson invents the camera-disabling technology instead of Apple. Pressure from Sony Pictures results in its implementation in a new SE Android phone.
2. The MPAA catches on and begins requiring theaters to install the technology while lobbying for laws that require it to be implemented on phones and cameras sold in the US.
3. Other mobile manufacturers start implementing the technology just in case the MPAA's lobbying succeeds, and to maintain relationships with content providers.
4. Apple, despite really not wanting to damage the user experience of its phones, is forced to implement the technology as well, as the industry has mostly adpoted it and Apple's content partners are using this as leverage in negotiating iTunes deals.
And so here we have the alternative, where Apple has foreseen this and patented the technology to keep the industry from adopting it and forcing Apple to make a less-enjoyable product.
There is absolutely zero reason why SE and Apple can't be swapped in your hypothetical, especially given that SE has a much smaller market share than Apple.
Apple's vertical integration also cuts out things users want - do you like pornography? Lots of people do. It's very popular. Where it's illegal, there are black markets for it. But where it can, Apple puts roadblocks in the way of these users' experiences.
What about iTunes being required for the iPhone? Lots of people absolutely hate it and many screeds have been written about the horror. Not exactly "optimal user experience".
Hell, I like to have the browser that comes default on my operating system to do fullscreen, but no, it has been decided that for "optimal user experience" Safari will not fullscreen, so I have to download another browser...
Apple is not altruistic. Apple have their game plan and are running with it for the betterment of Apple, not the general user. That's great for some people, but it doesn't mean that Apple is altruistic.
