I think people just care about what is coming next from Apple cause they are bringing amazing products. Each year when a new iPhone launches there is something no-one even thought about, how amazing this could be but Apple is just not thinking about it they are making it real and available.
To be honest I'm a happy Apple customer but I'm also a Android developer so I know both sides and both platforms well.
That said, while no one doubts Apple's mastery of getting free press is quite impressive (Jobs sitting on Disney's board might help; having been CEO of Pixar, as well), I imagine Apple still spends a lot of money on their product announcement events compared to Google, and much (much!) more for branding (e.g. product placement: Google it for examples, they're impressive).
Engadget had leaked photos from Google Nexus 2 too but did it show up in my local boulevard newspaper? No. That's what I'm trying to say. People care about what Apple is coming up with. I don't say this cause I think it's a good or I'm a fanboy, no I'm saying this cause it is a fact.