[brwnll]

Instead of a more efficient business model, I'd offer that it's actually the difference between being a hardware and software company.

Being a year or two late in software can often mean you product never has a chance to disrupt the first to market (assuming roughly equal quality product). Contrarily, Apple has shown time and again they can be several generations behind in specific technology (until they can "get it right") and still maintain demand for their products.