...Or if you look at this from a different perspective, it's Apple perfecting what others have failed to do right the first time.
In 2007, there were already smartphones (Motorola Q, Samsung BlackJack, Palm, etc...) but it wasn't until Apple came to the market and perfected it. A large, bright screen that was fully touch enabled, played music and so forth.
Were there tablets? Sure, but the iPad once again, perfected the daily use of the failing device category and shortly afterwards others jumped on board and copied their formula, not to mention the iPad's design and product philosophy.
Sure other companies had larger screens and NFC first, but the device's battery life sucked. Apple has spent more time honing in on iOS and its close relationship with the iPhone's hardware to give customers better battery life, while still offering thinner, lighter devices. The same thing applies to multi-tasking functionality.
Apple isn't copying ideas, they are perfecting functions by taking their time and getting it right. Samsung, HTC, Motorola and Sony are copying Apple's DESIGNS, their PRODUCTS and even their marketing. You need to understand the difference, when you say one company is copying another. Before the iPhone, customers weren't barking for a 3.5-inch touch screen phone or a flat, touchscreen tablet, yet Apple gave it to them. That's innovation. When customers asks for multi-tasking, better batteries or larger screens, that's Apple (and any other company) fulfilling a customer's needs and desires, despite other companies having done it first.
Do you think Ford copied Toyota by offering a Hybrid? No, they listened to the market demand, because people have been asking for it.
Also, don't sit there and say that Samsung is the only one "innovating."
Name a popular smartphone that featured a front-facing camera, before the iPhone 4. Name a popular smartphone that had a truly innovative Touch ID fingerprint scanner before the 5S? Name a popular smartphone that featured an accelerometer before the iPhone. Name a smartphone that featured a universal charging port (right side up or upside down)? I can keep going. Apple perfects or implements features that are typically well received and then duplicated, unlike Samsung's blood pressure monitor, or S Health. Just wait till Health Kit hits the market, once again, Apple will push forward with better software.