@ShutterBugGeek Problem you have is that all of you see and think Apple created all of this and they didn't.  I'm not saying they shouldn't use what others have done and make improvements, after all that is what it's all about.  People come to other sites that are not Apple based and shove their Apple opinions down peoples throats like we really care if they are or aren't this or that.  I've been in computers since the early 80's, I've been around them since the mid to late 70's, I know full well who did what first and how it started.  I'm also an avid computer history nut.
 
For you calling people Copycats, then you should seriously trace back Apple's history as much as everyone else.  You can't say that Apple never copied anyone, that would be showing ignorance and being blind.  Sony had the first preliminary designs, which is pretty much exactly where the iPhone design came from.  Another good example is MP3 players, they did not have the first ones around.  They did however have a better one, more marketable and I applaud Apple for that.
 
Apple also is famous for shooting themselves in the foot and have done so repeatedly throughout their time which is why they never had a huge market share in the computer world.  The only reason they had a great foothold in the graphics line was the fact that Commodore failed at marketing the Amiga line ( Which was far superior at their time than Apple ), as well the fact that Adobe only made their software at that time for Apple.  Which solidified them in the graphics and publishing industry with contracts and thousands of computers sold and there is nothing wrong with that.  That's how it's done.
 
And to give another side to this even still, in the lawsuit with Samsung, Apple has the nerve to call out Squared shaped icons?  Give us all a break come'on you know that was a bit much.  Icons have been square long before even used in computer terms.  We've used such things in Drawings for artwork for years, Windows and Apple OS together has had them, the Amiga had them, my god everyone has them... To use that as a basis of copying the iOS is stupid.  Then the shape of the device?  Ok, if it was copied identically YES I would agree, but just because it's rectangular and has rounded corners?  That my friend is a popular and general shape used for a lot of things in this world.
 
The real criminal in this trial was not so much Apple or Samsung, but the stupid Patent office for allowing such patents to be issued.  No one should be able to do that.  The other things people argue over is the fact of did Apple create the Pinch to Zoom, Slide to Lock, while they may have came up with their own variation of it?  They did not create it, again, there is nothing wrong with them using it either, but to call foul on someone else using it is hypocrisy in it's purest form.
 
Now I don't hate Apple, but I do not worship them either.  I've watched them do good and do bad.  Where they typically do bad is by shooting themselves in the foot.  Like only going with AT&T at the start.  Limiting yourself like that is a mistake, they know it now, but didn't care at the start.  That's how Android got a major jump on them.   Now the other time was when they cut out the Clones.  Used to be you could build a Mac to your specific liking without having to spend the over exaggerated cost that Apple charges for them.  Much like the PC's still do to this very day.  Which is what I do, because not only do I not care for Apple's pricing, but I also know they don't put in the quality they used to into their products and they are NOT worth what they ask for them.  So I build my own....  Have been for going on twenty years now.
 
I have built my computers and had them benchmarked against Apples, HP's, Dells, you name it, I came out on top because I know what I'm doing and know how to build a system that is able to perform the way I need it to.  Not everyone will be able to do this though and that is why there is other companies to go to.  Best part was, I build them for a third the cost using name brand reliable parts that all have very good warranties on them.  Never have I had a problem and that's a good thing for me at least.  But had Apple let the clones alone, they'd have a much bigger market share than they do now.
 
You used the argument that there is no consistency, I disagree.  Just because there are many different OEM's out there, doesn't mean the OS is not consistent.  The only things they change are the UI Overlay to the OS, which can be changed to a standard if you don't like Samsung's, HTC's, etc.... Google has their own line, Nexus, which does come with the standard UI.  I have a GSIII, I do not use or like TouchWiz, I use Apex which is an ICS based Home Screen Launcher and it's based on standard ICS.  Guess, what?  I have something iOS users don't, choice.  I can choose how it looks, how it operates and how it behaves to my liking.  If you don't like yours, tough, you're stuck with it no matter how good the iPhone may be.
 
I can also upgrade my memory, you can't, without buying a new phone.  If my battery goes bad?  I can buy a new one, you have to take yours to a dealer or send it in or get a new one.  As a consumer I weight those factors in my decision to buy things, so again, I cannot sit here and rightfully say that Samsung copied anyone to a point where they deserved anything like they're getting from Apple who by the way, uses Samsung technology in a lot of their devices.  If I were Samsung, I'd dump them right here and now and be done with it and say "Well, you claim you're innovative, here's your chance to prove it.  You're on your own!"  But they wont because probably contracts keep them from doing so.
 
Like I said, I don't hate Apple, but I sure do not like what they've become over the past 10 years.  They have done great things but I think people give them a bit too much credit and don't look under the hood enough to know the difference.  I know, because I'm a graphics designer and photographer that does not use Apple at all..... By choice!