The key to Apple's success has always been based on two things.
1. Simplicity of use compared to its competitors: Microsoft, Nokia, Android, etc.
2. An aura of "high class" and "exclusive" because it was more expensive and because people that had money but weren't tech types could afford to use Apple products and get supposedly "cutting edge technology" that was comparatively painless to use.
That second item compares to Nike "Air Jordans" and luxury cars, and LA Laker Game seats and Super Bowl tickets
The first item is discussed rather frankly here:
Steve Wozniak On iPhone vs Android
Jamie Condliffe, Gizmodo.com
"Woz never fails to impress me. If the man has opinions, he doesn't mind sharing them, whatever the consequences. I just didn't expect him to openly admit to preferring many Android features over those of his iPhone..."
http://gizmodo.com/5876719/steve-woz...iphone-kind-of
Apple has good stuff, but I can't stand their strong arm sales techniques like iTunes or their new iBooks strategy.
The idea of giving access to your credit card just to get into your iPhone or iPod is rather too much. Sure if you are going to buy something, that needs to be done, but not to cut the device on.