Actually, they seem to be able to do it less and less. The ipod was revolutionary, and Apple was still able to crank out top notch Macs. But since Apple started working on the iPhone, for many years now nothing about Apple's computers have been majorly improved, let alone revolutionized. (wow, they changed how they built the metal part of their laptop cases. truly amazing improvement for the end user. *sarcasm*) In fact in many major ways Apple's current computers are worse today than they were in the past, with fewer ports (firewire removed and no other port put in its place) and fewer options (glossy or matte option is gone completely).
Apple has put all of its energy into the ipod and iphone over the past years, and let its computers begin to rot. I sincerely hope that Apple DOESN'T put out any revolutionary new products over the next few years, because they clearly are unable to keep up well with the product lines they already have.
Apple needs to stop adding new products to its line up, and start focusing on improving the quality of the product lines they already sell.
I remember something someone said to me back in the early to mid-1990's. I do not know where he got his information from, but basically he said:
"Oh about the year 2000 or so, things will start to slow down with computers, as there really will be nothing new they can do"
what I think he was referring to was the fact from 1980 through that time, every new computer could do more and more. Now, seriously, other than touch technology (and some improvments could be made on voice), what else is there for the average consumer or even some businesses? I think that is why most companies are focusing on mobile handhelds, or specific niche items. They day of the desktop is going by the wayside. One day (although far in the future) laptops probably will too. I mean how many companies are scaling back their I/T dept and out-souring or getting in contractors. Or like me, working remotely from home. I worked for a few companies still using Pentium 2 or 3 systems and office 97. the newer stuff was maybe a couple of servers to house all the applications that ran through a browser.
I been to a few local shows (mostly smaller companies or stores) that decided to get together. It has been blah. Back in the 1990's, I used to go to computer shows all the time (when I used PC's mostly and built my own). there were some big companies and a lot of local vendors (used to fill entire fair grounds and you had to go 2 days to see it all [thus why they stamped your ticket to come back the next day for only $2]). I could get new or not that old (ie 6 months to a year) top-of-the-line equipment at a good price.
Now? the last few computer shows I went to (before switching my entire platform to Apple) were nothing more than flea markets. Boxes full of software that was 3 or more years old (I only bought a couple, because they were specialty things - or I was working for a company still using the older technology and I needed my own copy), used books on 4-6 year old technology. I was looking for a laptop. Most were abused (notice I did not say used). Missing Keys, broken latches, not boot up, with signs saying you are buying "as is". Most of the vendors said "if you are looking for something decent, here is a flyer with our phone number (yeah, a small retailer in Nevada or Michigan.. Like someone in North Carolina wants to buy from a no-name retailer 1/2 way cross the country, and for a system they put together that did not even bear the store's logo).
What worries me, is with trade shows being so expensive, usually held when people can't go (ie normal weekday instead of a weekend event), and less companies wanting to flip the bill to send their employees - the only shows will be on the internet. Problem I see with that? How can I get sense of the product without seeing it, touching it, playing with it. Pictures and doctored up videos do not give a true picture. Before switching to apple, I used to go to the Apple store and play with them (for about 6 months). then when I had the money, I knew exactly what I wanted. Too many times I bought something on the internet, and then when it came - it was not what I expected.
That is what worries me about no more local trade shows, closing stores (or stores moving to online only), etc.
So when you say Apple is focusing too much on the iphone and not enough on mac;s. To one point I agree, but other than Dell (who atleast tries to make their systems look good and new) I really see much of the same from other companies. Not much in the line of computers really excites me anymore. Now, it is just - ok, what system and software will meet what I need to do. At one time I wanted the latest and greatest (because it was better), now well... It seems that no matter what I buy (PC or Apple) new or a year or two old, still pretty much performes the same - maybe a little faster.
Last couple of years - computers on all fronts have missed the WOW factor. Only Apple has come out with some things that make me go hmmm....
Apple iCon and start it with a big bang of new products and announcements. Do it at a large theater (Flint Center?) with lots of pumped Apple users and broadcast it live via the internet for all to see and enjoy. Admission to the event alone would pay for all the expenses, and Apple Stores can set up live, outdoor projection feeds. THAT my friends, is the way to do it.