Anyone can create an Apple ID with or without Apple hardware.
I think Apple offering a eco system is interesting though but seems to create lock-ins. Like if you have a Apple Watch, can’t switch to Android as easily either. Then texting or calling from your Mac using your iPhone is also cool but another hurtle if you ever wanted to switch if you really liked that feature.
I’m writing this from an iPhone (and just bought an iPad Pro yesterday). I don’t hate Apple. I don’t trust Facebook. But the only way Apple can do this at any scale is to leverage their control over the App Store.
For anyone who argues that Apple doesn’t have monopolistic power in the app space, I present this as a counter point.