Apple devices are decently priced when they are refreshed. The premium marketing pitch or more precisely the focus on the premium experience however allows Apple to keep the release day price for the whole life of the product.
That alone is serious money. Up to 1 month before releasing a new version, an Apple product still has the same margin or more than on day 1.
All true, but if you factor in average usable life, Apple devices are cheaper than any competitor. In my opinion and experience -- thinking about phones and tablets in particular. Laptops might be a closer call.
All this assumes that the purchaser takes care of their stuff. Other people seem to actually want disposable gear and treat it as such.
That alone is serious money. Up to 1 month before releasing a new version, an Apple product still has the same margin or more than on day 1.