Matthew Panzarino:

In the months leading up to the release of the iPhone 4S, rumors of a redesigned, teardrop-shaped iPhone were hot and heavy. This led some to be ‘disappointed’ when the iPhone 4S was introduced. Although the 4S features a wide array of improved features including a faster processor, redesigned antenna and larger battery, the general consensus was that most rumor traders were expecting a redesign.

Keep in mind, these rumors have been going on for months. First people expected an iPhone in the summer, then September, and finally October. A large percentage of the iPhone rumors turned out to be false, so Web sites get pageviews and Apple gets screwed as people wait.