Fine, let's grant that only the schematic was leaked. The conclusion is the same. A schematic is not a mere netlist; it's an architectural document. It reveals the entire power delivery architecture - the choice of PMICs, the topology of every buck converter and LDO, and the meticulous partitioning of power rails for the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. That power strategy alone is a goldmine of portable R&D.
Furthermore, it details the complete bill of materials and the exact circuit design for every high-speed interface. To suggest this knowledge isn't portable is to claim that the principles of designing a stable power network or a clean USB4 interface are somehow unique to Apple. Any experienced engineer knows that learning from a competitor's complete, validated, and mass-produced system is an invaluable shortcut. An appeal to personal authority doesn't change these fundamental realities of hardware development.
Furthermore, it details the complete bill of materials and the exact circuit design for every high-speed interface. To suggest this knowledge isn't portable is to claim that the principles of designing a stable power network or a clean USB4 interface are somehow unique to Apple. Any experienced engineer knows that learning from a competitor's complete, validated, and mass-produced system is an invaluable shortcut. An appeal to personal authority doesn't change these fundamental realities of hardware development.