Perhaps Apple should consider restructuring in a way similar to Alphabet. Take big risks within individually branded subsidiaries. If a subsidiary startup-like company fails, it disappears, and Apple can easily distance the parent brand from the failure. If a moonshot subsidiary wins, Apple wins too, and they've potentially created a new, valuable brand in the process.

Or maybe Apple should attempt a partnership with YC or some other incubator (or perhaps even start their own iNCUBATOR). Apple has lots of money. They need to take on riskier projects, but perhaps want to limit risk to public perception from failed projects. So they fund startups and compensate YC for vetting ideas and founder teams. In return, Apple gets equity and/or some kind of acquisition option. More startups get to be funded, with more ideas and founders getting tested, and YC reduces their risk of initial funding.