I would think Steve clearly saw the onslaught coming up and probably had an early director part as well - By end 90s MS had become a benefactor to Apple and both were no longer threats to each other. The enemy now was Google and its plans of global domination - I suspect, Steve - the master mind that he was saw the merits in ganging together against a common enemy.

It was common knowledge from early days that Android infringed on several OS and mobile patents. Also note Andy Rubin sold Android predecessor - Danger OS to MS along with all IP. It was just a question of when and how the IP assertion happens.