One of Apple's claimed differentiators is that they're a vertical operation. I'm confident an Apple rep would say that the iPhone was a prestige product because

One of Apple's claimed differentiators is that they're a vertical operation. I'm confident an Apple rep would say that the iPhone was a prestige product because Apple produced both the hardware and software; that the "cachet and desirability" of their products are a direct result of a single editorial voice. I haven't used any Android-based phones, so I can't say whether or not existing offerings match the fit and polish of an iPhone. Judging by your own comments, I will assume that none currently do, which makes me ponder a few questions. Question One: If an Android-based phone were to achieve a level of integration between hardware and software comparable to the iPhone, would that put the lie to Apple's claims that keeping everything under one roof is their recipe for success? Or would a hardware manufacturer have to "own" the operating system for this to occur? Will Amazon eventually achieve Apple-like user satisfaction with the Kindle Fire because they forked Android? Question Two: Is Jony Ive really as talented as the business press claims? Is he - or, more generally, is superior industrial design - Apple's secret weapon? Question Three: Assuming question two is true, is Ive's level of design talent really that rare, that Samsung, HTC, Amazon, or Motorola cannot find an individual with competing skill? Question Four: (Again assuming Ive's talent is a significant differentiator) Given that Ive was marking time, unrecognized and unappreciated, within Apple until Jobs' return, is it likely that a company requires a (hopefully benevolent) Dictator For Life in order to achieve the greatness that so often eludes decision-by-committee? Are there examples of best-of-breed products (in a similar or related industry) produced antithetically to Apple's methodology?