The initial iPhone completely changed how a smart phone was seen and used by people in their daily lives. That revolution wasn't just because of the phone itself. Jobs and Apple worked hard to integrate the phone, it's OS and the OS of not just Apple computers but the software that also runs on Windows machines so that everyone could enjoy a pretty seamless and simple experience. So it wasn't just the phone is was that people all over wanted to be a part of a pretty simple yet sexy and powerful system. In the end however, it really is just a phone that does only so many things. There's really not much of a "revolution" that's left to happen on a phone...at least until they generate a way to push others into using what it is they create. I think we'll see that more in the future especially as it relates to payments.
Next Apple put more of a focus on the iPad and tablets. The timing was perfect and they nailed it spot on. So here understanding their market approach, it was about changing and revolutionizing how people consumed media including video and web. Job well done and thus why they dominate that market.
What you're seeing in their OS and phones and tablets is simple a greater unification of the systems. Sure iCloud and moves such as that existed elsewhere such as with Droid based system, but again, that hype and techno stuff didn't really mean much if it wasn't tied to a network of users like Apple has. Apple wasn't really and likely won't ever be the first at many things, but what they have been very good about it doing whatever it is better than most by keeping their eye on the experience and the creation of things that people want to use in their daily lives. Droid and namely Sammy with the GS3 have done well, but still aren't there yet IMO.