No. A new node comes out in several years. At least 2-3 years and it is increasing because decreasing the node size is getting exponentially more difficult. So next node will probably only be out in 4-5 years now.
While all the chip designers will be all out with their products on this new node within a few months. Apple was only the first because they paid extra for Tsmc to be first.
For even a semi-informed user, it matters. E.g. you can buy the fastest processor (in this single benchmark, which might be or not be important to you) in a Macbook Pro from Apple for $3000. But knowing that this is only because of the 2nm TSMC node that Apple got first, but Qualcomm, AMD, etc. will also get very soon (a few months), means that you probably will be able to buy an even faster chip in a laptop with Windows or Linux for $2000. Which, depending on what you plan to use the PC, might be just as viable to you.
So I would say it IS important to users to know the facts of the situation in order to make an informed decision on their next purchase.
Nah. Unfortunately Chat Control law has effectively killed GDPR in Europe. All Apple has to say is that they are listening for possible CSAM and they are free to listen to everyone all the time.
Everytime I think I could not hate Microsoft more than I already do, they come out and do something like this.
The answer to all your questions most likely is that it’s just an ai slop.