We all know people are to spend the money. That isn't my point. It's what you said at the end, and minimizing cannibalization of sales.
My point is that Apple will stagger releases to maximize foot traffic, hype, along with money generated. Why risk making someone choose between an iPad, Apple TV, Macbook Air, and accessories all at one time, so people think of the whole bill? As opposed to one week Airs. Maybe give a break and throw out Apple TV, another week another product, then end the month iPads possibly. Every week if not half of them this month will be customers coming into Apple stores looking at new products. With possible repeat potential buyers coming in again & again.
This an opportunity for Apple to get the money they lost without new iPads last year, and get possible buyers in store to look at a variety of new product.