Again, it is not what Apple invented, it is about how a company uses what's available to provide a better general user experience or a "new-easier way". Apple invention and "genius" is more about a set of features working together to provide specific functionality, none of then necessarily being best in class, than providing leading technology per se. But in the end the none expert user may perceive an Apple product as being "revolutionary" or leading specifically in technology brute force when it may not be exactly that. Lets say that Apple may be a very "noneexpert-user-centric" business but this reasonably well implemented integration and presentation from Apple has a great impact in the general user perception and it generates a big impact in the technology industry. But in the very-Apple "creative" way Apple really brings something new and well presented to the general user, in a higher price segment but still within the reach for many people. Now, if this just were a very artificial perception created by Apple, either the lives of most people is A) superficial and unnatural or B), Apple ends up with a real product not as easy to achieve. Apple haters say the users are stupid, shallow and superficial and that Apple is a manipulative evil. But there is a very big question with this thesis or arguments and this is that it is another very twisted evil conspiracy theory. Simply put, too manny odd events needs to occur simultaneously, or the longer weird, unnatural explanation for a cause.
That is my opinion, but the point is don't get confused by Apple company "very modern" corporative practices. Apple as a creative or innovative engineering or artistic force may not be confused by what is within today's law and considered acceptable. And this is a very sensitive discussion that goes well beyond artistic or technological fundamentals. In this questionable way Apple is as guilty as most industry and society leaders. But, the end product, is it useful to you?, and what do you do with it?