FTA: "We’re already used to Google’s search engine pushing Chrome, Yahoo linking to Firefox, and Bing recommending Edge. This year, Microsoft has upped the ante in the browser war with Windows 10."
One could make the argument that making the push from the OS is a different level than from the website.
That depends. Some vulnerabilities aren't easy or worth the hassle to exploit. If this one is being exploited by someone already, you're letting attackers know that it's worth the effort, and handing them the manual as well.
The most interesting part to me is that the slate-only tablet form factor appears to be dying. This is surprising given that phones have completely adopted touch over physical keys, and yet tablets seem to be headed back to supporting both.
Historically, Apple doesn't spent billions on companies. They spends tens or maybe hundreds of millions on small technology startups that they can the integrate into their existing products. Beats makes music accessories and has a streaming service, and doesn't really offer any unique technology - just a brand, so it's a very atypical purchase for Apple, especially given the price.