Very solid point of view from James Higgs regarding the conflicting message sent but the two divisions of Apple: Hardware vs. Software

They do in fact paint a very different interaction (target audience) focus. I have had a very negative reaction to the Apple software design as of late. They keep turning up the dial on these designs. I love the functionality of the application, just not the interface I have to clod through to use it.

Perhaps Apple sees this skeuomorphism as a way to bring the market share they need into the fold. I as a early adopter however, have started to feel less and less at home using their "Life" product line software. Still, I am in love their hardware design. Hopefully they will find a comfortable middle ground or drop the unneeded frill.