Usually the run-up to a new iPhone launch is dominated by endless speculation about every detail of the latest device, but this week that has been overshadowed by Apple’s tax affairs. With its ‘sweetheart deal’ with the Irish government ruled illegal by the European Commission, Apple and other hi-tech firms may now face similar multibillion dollar back-dated bills, in Ireland and possibly elsewhere. As the image of an industry whose economics rely on tax concessions which are increasingly unpopular with the companies’ consumer customers was sharpened, Apple CEO Tim Cook abandoned the tone of sweet reason which large corporations normally adopt when talking about tax avoidance claims. He came out fighting, even suggesting Apple might repatriate some of its massive…