Apple "got away" with it because they have a product that's compelling despite the problem AND they provided a (partial?) solution to the problem.
Which is what Apple does best in every category in which they're successful. Is the iPod the most feature-laden PMP? No. It is still the best across the categories that matter for most users. Same with the iPad: I know no 'normal' user with an iPad that doesn't like it. And they almost all have some point of "I wish x was better." It's just that the goods far outweigh the bads.
But the point the article makes is they didn't apologize or provide a partial solutions at first. That's what the rules say you should do and that's absolutely not what Apple did
(Unless "hold it differently" is the partial solution you're referring to)
Which is what Apple does best in every category in which they're successful. Is the iPod the most feature-laden PMP? No. It is still the best across the categories that matter for most users. Same with the iPad: I know no 'normal' user with an iPad that doesn't like it. And they almost all have some point of "I wish x was better." It's just that the goods far outweigh the bads.
Oh, and their branding doesn't hurt, either.