The argument would be reasonable if Apple hadn't exacted hundreds of millions of dolars from competitors for "copying" superficial and trivially obvious UI elements from iOS.

No one is arguing that this sort of copying is wrong. Instead, they are merely identifying the inherent hypocrisy and irony in Apple's actions over the past year.

I agree that patents are imbecilic and Apple v. Samsung was one of the lowest points in the industry's history, but it just seems absurd that Apple can lament how other's have "copied" them, only to turn around months later and "copy" wholesale many features from other platforms.

Can Apple take elements from Windows Phone and Android? Yes, that is reasonable and benefits the industry as a whole. Do I, as a current Apple user, benefit from this process? Yes; good design trends make for a better experience. Does it seem dickish? Yes.

Everyone should see this as Apple copying. That's what they're blatantly doing. It shouldn't be viewed negatively so long as it improves the product. There's no possibility that Apple is going to lead 100 times out of 100 on design trends.

They're living up to the motto of great artists stealing. It's done in every industry, and it's done by great designers. It's a myth that great designers don't 'steal' constantly, of course they do. Ditto great musicians, and any other artists.

That's all well and fine. Share the best bits - but don't get all prissy over anyone else doing the same.

>Noone should see this as Apple copying anyone.

While Apple winning 600M on the same argument?

Who have they copied? Can you illustrate it?

I think the whole OP is an illustration