You just wrinkled my brain right now.

Being honest I think the opposite of this is more likely true. Seeing a flashing indicator for all the notifications my phone “thinks” are important is going to make me more likely to constantly check my phone. Barring that I check when I want to. And with the new passive display modes I can glance and decide whether to even unlock or not.

It’s a nice conspiracy theory. But unlikely. Who gets the additional review?

For some random hardware producer I don't see how that would be favourable.

Genuinely wouldn't be surprised if this was the truth. The tactics these companies employ are both putridly-covert, yet brilliantly executed - especially so if it also saves a few cents.

In Apple's case it's a subtle encouragement to buy their watch.

I hate how correct you are about this.