> I never argued that the hardware physically couldn’t execute instructions for other purposes

Never said you did. You said you didn't understand what I meant when I said computers are naturally able to compute.

> I can destroy it if I choose.

Apple has no problem with you destroying it. You've already paid for it. In fact they'd love it if you destroyed your phone since it means you'll have to buy another.

Try doing something they don't like. See who they machine obeys.