I don't think it follows that, if Apple doesn't launch a new product category this year, its because Cook has decided to sandbagging to maximize profit. That is not how Apple has operated since Jobs came back. Instead Apple's #1 priority is to create products that offer an amazing user experience. They won't release something until they feel they've reached that.
Consider the iPad. Isaacson's book revealed that iPad prototypes and multi-touch was actually created years ahead of the iPhone. However the power/weigh/performance ratios just weren't there for a compelling product. It was not until the scale of the iPhone drove down costs and improved technology that a compelling tablet experience was possible that Apple released the iPad. And even then in 2010 this was not an easy task. Go back and read the reviews for all the "me too" Android tablets that launch in the 2010-2011 compared to the original iPad. This is just one of a number of examples.
Apple will release a new product category if and when it feels it can make an impact there, not because of a time table set by technology pundits or analysts. This is just how they work.
Consider the iPad. Isaacson's book revealed that iPad prototypes and multi-touch was actually created years ahead of the iPhone. However the power/weigh/performance ratios just weren't there for a compelling product. It was not until the scale of the iPhone drove down costs and improved technology that a compelling tablet experience was possible that Apple released the iPad. And even then in 2010 this was not an easy task. Go back and read the reviews for all the "me too" Android tablets that launch in the 2010-2011 compared to the original iPad. This is just one of a number of examples.
Apple will release a new product category if and when it feels it can make an impact there, not because of a time table set by technology pundits or analysts. This is just how they work.