I'm not sure even if that was the case it would fit the definition of a "loss-leader" unless we assume that Apple makes back the loss and more through the App Store and other services which seems extremely unlikely.
Otherwise who would selling laptops at a loss increase the sales of higher-end laptops, most people don't buy both.
> given they make more from services than from macs:
Almost all of that comes from iPhones/iPad/etc. services. Also IIRC 1/4 of their services revenue is just the $20 billion Google is paying them every year.
> but it would be mild surprise rather than shock.
Alright, you might be right. However, while I'm not shocked but still more than mildly surprised that there are people who think that this might be possible.
Otherwise who would selling laptops at a loss increase the sales of higher-end laptops, most people don't buy both.
> I cannot rule out the possibility
That seems like an extremely high-bar.