I don't understand why Apple goes after these design patents and why they are even given consideration by the patent office. Apple's approach to ornamental design is simple, streamlined, and elegant. The problem with this is that, while it's a great approach and has broad appeal, it isn't the least bit distinctive on its own. The products may seem distinctive while other companies aren't taking the simple and elegant approach, but there is nothing inherently distinctive about the designs. You can't patent simple, streamlined, and elegant. Well, anyone with half a brain should realize that you shouldn't be able to, anyway.

To put it another way, Apple's approach to ornamentation is to make their devices plain. Plain is basically the opposite of distinctive. Plain works very well, but you can't protect it.

Edit: fixed a couple of typing errors.