See, I don't think it matters. I think the "big update" that we (knowledgable tech folks) expected is lost on consumers. Did you catch that Jimmy Kimmel bit whe

See, I don't think it matters. I think the "big update" that we (knowledgable tech folks) expected is lost on consumers. Did you catch that Jimmy Kimmel bit where he sent someone out on the street with a "new iPhone 5"; spoiler, it was an iPhone 4S. People on the street loved it. I don't think that your average consumer needs a "big update". When a consumer buys a new Apple device, they're buying a couple of things that we (techies) don't connect with. They're buying: * A device that they feel confident they'll be happy with (high user satisfaction rates support this) * Peace of mind that they've got the latest, greatest device from a company they appreciate (Apple grand rating and a simple line up support this) Neither of these factors show up in a feature comparison. Customer satisfaction ratings for the iPhone are great. Why? I don't know. It's probably really, really hard to quantify, but I'm not sure it matters. What matters is that consumers are satisfied, and that they stay satisfied. Figuring out how to achieve that is Apple's job. I'm just calling it as I see it. I believe the latter factor is more important than many people recognize. When you go to buy an Android phone, you're given a choice of many different models with some absolutely insane naming conventions. Have a look at the Verizon Shop page for smartphones: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&&deviceCategoryId=1 http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=pho... On the first page, there are 7 iPhones, but only 3 appear at the top, so the choices appear much simpler. In-store, there are only one or two iPhone models on display. There are 40 (maybe more) Android options in the online store. In-store, the models line shelves. Which one is the newest? Which ones can get updates? Many consumers are aware that they might not be able to get "updates" with Android phones. Which ones come with "Ice cream sunday [sic]? My nephew says I should ask for that." The rep in the store can guide you, but do you trust them? After all, he's telling me this one is the best, but how can he know that this is the best one out of the 39 other choices I'm staring at? It's much easier to feel confident in your iPhone purchase. All you need to ask is "Am I getting the new one?" Apple holds a huge press event that makes headlines in the paper that my mom actually reads. She occasionally hears about a new Android phone release, but I guarantee you she can't tell me the name. Just that "it's some new droid phone." She doesn't know there's a difference between a Droid (the phone) and Android (the operating system). I think certainty has a lot of value to consumers.