But in the long run, the reorganization could cast a shadow ... or could be interpreted as a hint of major turns in direction for Apple.

"This creates some uncertainty that they'll continue to deliver excellent, but not flawless, products," opined Gottheil. "But that uncertainty was introduced when Jobs became very ill. Maintaining the level of design [when Jobs was in control] is very hard."

But Milanesi and Moorhead saw the moves -- as did Gottheil, in large measure -- as positive.

For her part, Milanesi applauded the decision to put Ive in charge of all design, and Federighi overseeing all OS development.

"I like the bringing together of iOS and OS X, the two need to be closer together," said Milanesi even as she acknowledged steps Apple has taken over the last 15 months to bring elements of the former to the latter. "But this formalizing is important, that's always a good thing for a company."