Apple's business model is not based on product sales, rather on storage subscription. Which is incidental to where the original product is made. As for gear that costs more..In my 25 years in and around outdoor gear/camping/kayaking, canoeing, walking etc..you deffo get what you pay for. Sure decathlon £8 sweat shirts or £10 raincoats work. Mostly bloody well but they don't breathe or last the 20 years that others do.
I have a patagonia jacket that has lasted 18 years, still fully waterproof and looks the shiz.
I have a lowe Alpine fluffy fleece and waterproof pants that's 16 years old
montane pants that are 20 years old
I have a Karrimor backpack that has been abused for 25 years and still works
I bought a Blacks Technical back pack 3 years ago and the stitching is coming loose.. its not always where it is made, more so the materials, quality control and the backup of a reputation to protect through warranty. Patagonia and a few others have a lifetime warranty that works..
I dont have many