Apple's product design philosophy is getting diluted

So they have a recent history of starting with an iconic product and then diversifying product offerings from there. I guess that does give their customers greater choice (which is not always a good thing) but it also complicates their production process. Since they're used to doing this, the iPad mini as a diversification of the iPad is easy for them to digest. I still get the feeling they're confusing their customers and complicating their jobs. Signs of a big company.

Just because you can sell a product in large numbers doesn't mean you should make it! I'm looking at this in terms of how it effects their brand's image in the long run. If they stuck with a simpler product suite, I think that would be in better conformance with their brand.