I think the recent spat of patent infringment claims (Nokia -> Apple -> HTC) is a real indication of Apples concern about the challenges to the iPhone and forthcoming iPad.
Popular opinion is that Apple is trying to get at Google through HTC, perhaps perceived as a softer target. Part of me agrees with this but I also belve that Apple is concerned about the pace of HTC’s innovation in the smart phone marketplace. Who knows, but possibly there is concern about HTC’s innovation in the area of slate or tablet computing. With a plethora of tablet devices expected to be available in the markeplace by the end of 2010, there may not be time for Apple to get a foothold with its iPad to be released this month.