As logical as this analysis seems, it is unsatisfying. It reveals something of the "how," but nothing of the "why." Why has Apple been able to rewrite industry rules again and again? Why does it seem to take such pride in defying conventional wisdom? Why is it able to routinely deliver the exceptional?
I don't think it's a particular strategy or person that makes Apple Apple; rather, it's the company's unstinting devotion to a particular set of ideals. Within the universe of inventors, designers, and artists, these ideals aren't all that unremarkable, but within the universe of Fortune 500 companies, they're as rare as water in the Gobi.
Before going further, I should make it clear that my take on Apple's signature values isn't the product of any in-company research I've conducted. Nevertheless, when you ask yourself, "What sort of values would a company have to venerate if it wanted to duplicate Apple's success?" the answers seem almost intuitive.