I’m not sure whether many people are really following Apple releases so closely but it is certainly true that it is very easy to predict when the next iPods, iPhones and iPads will come out. (It’s a bit harder for Macs.)

That’s kinda funny considering that Apple usually doesn’t pre-announce. (Exceptions are usually only first generations and operating systems.) They are predictable, but not because they are keeping us informed.

There are a lot of products that are this consistent, if not moreso. Clothing and cars and big one. Everyone looking to buy a car knows that a new model comes out every year. They know if a model just came out or has been out for 10 months and will be rev'ed shortly. And some people also track when a new design is coming.

But this is less common in consumer electronics. And frankly, this wasn't common until the iPhone. Even iPods didn't get upgraded by consumers much.

This does not always play to Apple's side. In my last visit to the local Apple store the saleswoman recommended that we wait for the next model. That was early February.