Google in the meantime is moving aggressively to support manufacturers of handsets that run its Android operating system and can access its services online. Apple relies on sales of its devices to remain profitable. It has had no problems with this so far, but Google only needs to spread its advertising networks onto these devices to make a profit. In fact, some analysts speculate that Google envisions a future where mobile phones cost a frac- tion of what they do today, or are even free, requir- ing only the advertising revenue generated by the devices to turn a profit. Apple would struggle to remain competitive in this environment. Jobs has kept the Apple garden closed for a simple reason: you need an Apple device to play there