Alternatively, other manufacturers using the Android system may fill the void. Samsung has been infamous for using Apple as an R&D department. Hopefully, a few companies with better ethics might rise to the occasion. I really hope LG take advantage of the present situation. Like
@Skull One said, Apple should not be allowed to rest on their laurels. Healthy competition is essential. IMO, Samsung was unhealthy competition with their insistence on stealing innovation and passing it off as their own. I hope we see a strong Android competitor to keep Apple on their toes.
Maybe the future holds another OS? Windows has been a total disaster, but I don't think its too late. Microsoft could throw away the book and start again. Their name will always need to be taken seriously and if they can come up with a phone OS that can rival iOS, who knows where we might be in a few years time?