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" A common algorithm for succeeding in the App Store is take Popular App A from 2009 and re-implement it with new graphics and perhaps an additional gameplay mechanic and release it as Hopeful Popular App B in 2011."

Not disagreeing with you, but isn't this the common algorithm for most things? I can think of TV Shows, movies, books, websites etc. that use the same algorithm.

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There are actually a number of those algorithms, often it is either a combination of two existing things (G+ is like Facebook but with asymetric relationships like Twitter); a twist on something that already exist (Firefly is a western but with an oppressive government set in space); or (but mostly with physical things) something that is not as good as what was previously but ordinary people can afford it (indoor plumbing which is not as good as servants preparing your bath, but much much cheaper or the Ford T).

Sometimes it is a mixture of these.

I think mimicry exists across various mediums, but the starkness of it on the App Store is pretty intriguing. Most times there's not even a new gameplay mechanic, just new artwork and a new name.

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