I think labbeling Iphone owners as having unfeasibly high opinions of themselves just because they are very satisfied with their purchase is a bit, well, off. I don't see a relationship there at all, it's just been completely pulled out of a hat.

Maybe a career as a spin doctor would be a better choice?

Apple, being the first GUI, became the darling of Academia, many of whom went straight from their IBM Selectrix or Dumb Terminal green screen, to Apple.

Of course, Academia is innate with an unfeasibly high self esteem, which sole purpose often seems to be to instill that awe in others. Infallibility not a question; so why bovver?

Now Apple also appeals to fashionista chic-minded chums who want to think they buy top-shelf.

All phone interfaces could use drastic improvement. The touch-screen is cool.

Well at least us sane people have low enough opinions of apple fandom that it some what balances out.

Apple is an interesting cultural phenomenon, but only from a purely scientific point of view. Their marketing seems to both target and create an army of smug followers that are out there actively recruiting other people who are highly susceptible to a highly inflated self image and the idea that owning a product can make you cool. The fact that they can do this could tell us a lot about how culture works via the spread of ideas through all the levels of the apple BS chain. 

For me Apple's tactics have had the opposite effect. I see through their crap and can easily see that the "value" of their products are typically less than the value of my money. I am also constantly asking myself if I want a product because I need it, want it, or if I have some retarded idea that the thing will make me cool, or whatever irrational subconscious ideas that accompany purchasing desires may arise. So thank you Apple for making me an even smarter shopper.