Andy Lees

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. In that case, Andy Lees seems awfully flattered.

In an interview with All Things D, Lees notes the expected iPhone updates of Twitter integration and a feature where users can take a photo while the phone’s screen is locked as innovations first released with the much-anticipated Mango update.

Some of the expected announcements at today’s iPhone unveiling include better integration with iPad and AppleTV as well as a release date for iCloud, Apple’s cloud-based backup service.

Even if Apple is taking cues from Microsoft, the iPhone has a large lead over Windows Phone in the latest reports. And Microsoft has strong ties to Android with its rounds of patent deals with device makers.

Microsoft's deal with Nokia may help boost Windows Phone market share once devices start rolling out later this year.

Next week, Samsung could announce the latest version of Android for smartphones, tentatively called Ice Cream Sandwich.