Apple Inc., originally Apple Computer, Inc.

(NASDAQ: AAPL), is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Curpertino, California that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company was founded on April 1, 1976, and incorporated on January 3, 1977.[4] The word "Computer" was removed from its name on January 9, 2007, to reflect its shifted focus towards consumer electronics.[5][6] Its best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. Its software includes the OS X and iOS operating systems, the iTunes media browser, and the iLife and iWork creativity and production suites. Apple is the world's third-largest mobile phone maker after Samsung and Nokia.[7] Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world from 2008 to 2012.[8][9][10][11][12] However, the company has received widespread criticism for its contractors' labor practices, and for Apple's own environmental and business practices.[13][14][15] As of August 2012, Apple has 393 retail stores in fourteen countries[16] as well as the online Apple Store and iTunes Store.[17] It is the largest publicly-traded corporation in the world by market capitalization, with an estimated value of US$626 billion as of September 2012.[18][19] The Apple market cap is larger than that of Google and Microsoft combined.[20][21] As of September 24, 2011, the company had 60,400 permanent full-time employees and 2,900 temporary full-time employees worldwide;[3] its worldwide annual revenue in 2010 totaled $65 billion, growing to $108 billion in 2011.

Apple Computer Company History

Apple Computer is one of the pioneers of the technology industry. Headquartered in Cupertino, CA, with development facilities and retail locations worldwide, Apple has over 10,000 employees. Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The original Apple product line consisted of computer hardware, mostly Macintosh Computers and accessories. Since then, Apple has crafted an image of itself as the ultimate in cool, with a focus not only on powerful computer hardware and software but also on entertainment media as well. The iPod line of MP3 players is the world leader, and the iTunes music store provides an easy shopping interface for legal music downloads.

Apple Inc. (Apple), incorporated on January 3, 1977, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in designing, manufacturing and marketing mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, and portable digital music players. It also sells a range of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. The Companys products and services include iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod, Apple TV, a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications, the iOS and Mac OS X operating systems, iCloud, and a range of accessory, service and support offerings. It also sells and delivers digital content and applications through the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store. During the year ended November 24, 2011, the Company, as part of a consortium, acquired Nortel Networks Corporations patent portfolio. In February 2012, the Company acquired app-search engine Chomp. Apple sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, and direct sales force, as well as through third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and resellers. In addition, the Company sells a range of third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and various other accessories and peripherals, through its online and retail stores. The Company sells to consumers, small and mid-sized businesses (SMB), and education, enterprise and government customers. The Company has designed a range of products, services and programs to address the needs of education customers. It also supports mobile learning and real-time distribution and accessibility of education related materials through iTunes U, a platform that allows students and teachers to share and distribute educational media online. It sells its products to the education market through its direct sales force, select thirdparty resellers and its online and retail stores. It also sells its hardware and software products to enterprise and government customers. The Company operates in five segments: Americas, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific and Retail. The Americas segment includes both North and South America. The Europe segment includes European countries, as well as the Middle East and Africa. The Asia-Pacific segment includes Australia and Asia countries, other than Japan. The Retail segment operates Apple-owned retail stores worldwide. The Company offers a range of mobile communication and media devices, personal computing products, and portable digital music players, as well as a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions and third-party hardware and software products. In addition, the Company offers its own software products, including iOS, the Companys mobile operating system; Mac OS X, the Companys operating system software for the Mac; server software and application software for consumer, SMB, and education, enterprise and government customers. AppleCare offers a range of support options for the Companys customers. These options include assistance that is built into software products, printed and electronic product manuals, online support, including product information, as well as technical assistance, and the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP). APP is a fee-based service that includes two to three years of phone support and hardware repairs, dedicated Web-based support resources, and user diagnostic tools. iPhone The Companys iPhone combines a mobile phone, an iPod, and an Internet communications device in a single handheld product. Based on the Companys Multi-Touch user interface, iPhone features desktop-class e-mail,

Web browsing, searching, and maps and is compatible with both Macs and Windows-based computers. iPhone automatically syncs content from users iTunes libraries, as well as contacts, bookmarks, and e-mail accounts. iPhone allows customers to access the iTunes Store to download audio and video files, as well as a range of other digital content and applications. In October 2011, the Company launched iPhone 4S, its latest version of iPhone, which includes Siri, a voice activated intelligent assistant. iPad The Companys iPad is a multi-purpose mobile device for browsing the Web, reading and sending e-mail, viewing photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading e-books and more. iPad is based on the Companys Multi-Touch technology and allows customers to connect with their applications and content in a more interactive way. iPad allows customers to access the iTunes Store to download audio and video files, as well as a range of other digital content and applications. In March 2011, the Company introduced iPad 2, its secondgeneration iPad. Mac Hardware Products The Company offers a range of personal computing products, including desktop and portable computers, related devices and peripherals, and third-party hardware products. The Companys Mac desktop and portable systems feature Intel microprocessors, the Mac OS X Lion operating system and the iLife suite of software for creation and management of digital photography, music, movies, digital versatile discs (DVDs) and Websites. The Companys desktop computers include iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini. The iMac desktop computer has an all-inone design that incorporates a display, processor, graphics card, storage, memory and other components inside a single enclosure. The Mac Pro desktop computer is for business and professional customers. The Mac mini is a desktop computer in a compact enclosure. Its portable computers include MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. MacBook Pro is a portable computer designed for professionals and consumers. MacBook Air is an ultra-slim portable computer designed for professionals and consumers. iTunes The Companys iTunes is an application that supports the purchase, download, organization and playback of digital audio and video files and is available for both Mac and Windows-based computers. iTunes 10 is the latest version of iTunes and features AirPlay wireless music playback, Genius Mixes, Home Sharing, and improved syncing functionality with iOS devices. iTunes is integrated with the iTunes Store, a service that allows customers to discover, purchase, rent, and download digital content and applications. The iTunes Store includes the App Store and iBookstore. The App Store allows customers to discover and download applications, and the iBookstore features electronic books from major and independent publishers and allows customers to preview and buy books for their iOS devices. Customers can access the App Store through either a Mac or Windows-based computer or through an iOS device. The iBookstore is accessed through the iBooks application on an iOS device. Mac App Store In January 2011, the Company opened the Mac App Store allowing customers to discover, download and install applications for their Macs. The Mac App Store offers applications in education, games, graphics and design, lifestyle, productivity, utilities and other categories. The Companys Mac OS X operating system software and iLife and iWork application software are also available on the Mac App Store. iCloud In October 2011, the Company launched iCloud, its new cloud service, which stores music, photos, applications, contacts, calendars, and documents and wirelessly pushes them to multiple iOS devices, Macs and Windowsbased computers. iClouds features include iTunes in the Cloud, Photo Stream, Documents in the Cloud, Contacts, Calendar, Mail, automatic downloads and purchase history for applications and iBooks, and iCloud

Backup. Users can sign up for free access to iCloud using a device running iOS 5 or a Mac running Mac OS X Lion SOFTWARE PRODUCTS AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES The Company offers a range of software products for consumer, SMB, education, enterprise and government customers, including the Companys iOS and Mac OS X operating system software; server software; professional application software, and consumer, education, and business oriented application software. Operating System Software iOS is the Companys mobile operating system that serves as the foundation for iOS devices. In October 2011, the Company released iOS 5, which supports iCloud and includes new features, such as Notification Center, a way to view and manage notifications in one place; iMessage, a messaging service that allows users to send text messages, photos and videos between iOS devices; and Newsstand, a way to purchase and organize newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Mac OS X, the operating system for Macs, is built on an open-source UNIX-based foundation. Mac OS X Lion includes support for new Multi-Touch gestures; iCloud integration; system-wide support for full screen applications; Mission Control, a way to view everything running on a users Mac; the Mac App Store; Launchpad, a new home for a users applications, and a redesigned Mail application. Application Software iLife 11 is the latest version of the Companys digital lifestyle application suite included with all Mac computers. iLife features iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb. iPhoto is the Companys consumer-oriented digital photo application and iMovie is the Companys digital video editing software application. iDVD is the Companys software application that enables customers to turn iMovie files, QuickTime files, and digital pictures into interactive DVDs. GarageBand is the Companys music creation application that allows customers to play, record and create music. iWeb allows customers to create online photo albums, blogs and podcasts, and to customize Websites using editing tools. iWork 09 is the latest version of the Companys integrated productivity suite designed to help users create, present, and publish documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. iWork 09 includes Pages 09 for word processing and page layout, Keynote 09 for presentations, and Numbers 09 for spreadsheets. The Company also has a Multi-Touch version of each iWork application designed specifically for use on iOS devices. Other Application Software The Company sells various other application softwares, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Studio, Logic Express 9, Logic Studio Pro, and its FileMaker Pro database software. The Company manufactures the Apple LED Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display. It also sells a range of Apple-branded and third-party Mac-compatible and iOScompatible peripheral products, including printers, storage devices, computer memory, digital video and still cameras, and various other computing products and supplies. Apple TV allows customers to watch movies and television shows on their high definition television. Content from iTunes, Netflix, YouTube, and Flickr, as well as music, photos, videos, and podcasts from a Mac or Windows-based computer can also be wirelessly streamed to a television through Apple TV. With the release of iCloud in October 2011, content purchased on Apple TV can be re-downloaded on iOS devices.

NAME
According to Steve Jobs, Apple was so named because Jobs was coming back from an apple farm, and he was on a fruitarian diet. He thought the name was "fun, spirited and not intimidating".[166]

LOGOS

The original logo, used in 1976.

The second logo, used from late 1976-1998.

The third logo, used since 1998. Apple's first logo, designed by Ron Wayne, depicts Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. It was almost immediately replaced by Rob Janoff's "rainbow Apple", the now-familiar rainbow-colored silhouette of an apple with a bite taken out of it.

SLOGANS
Apple's first slogan, "Byte into an Apple", was coined in the late 1970s.[175] From 19972002, the slogan "Think Different" in advertising campaigns, and is still closely associated with Apple.[176] Apple also has slogans for specific product lines for example, "iThink, therefore iMac" was used in 1998 to promote the iMac,[177] and "Say hello to iPhone" has been used in iPhone advertisements.[178] "Hello" was also used to introduce the original Macintosh, Newton, iMac ("hello (again)"), and iPod.[179]

CORPORATE CULTURE
Apple was one of several highly successful companies founded in the 1970s that bucked the traditional notions of what a corporate culture should look like in organizational hierarchy (flat versus tall, casual versus formal attire, etc.).

FINANCE
On March 19, 2012, Apple announced plans for a $2.65 per share dividend beginning in fourth quarter of 2012, per approval by their board of directors.[219] On August 20, 2012 Apple closed at a record share price of $665.15.

APPLE COMPUTER COMPANY CULTURE

Known as a fun yet demanding place to work, Apple employees should expect a casual dress environment, as well as a work hard, play hard attitude. Apple employees consider themselves among the best. The interview process can be a challenge. Expect to be grilled on any technical skills you list on your resume, as well as many behavioral attributes. See tips on behavior based interviewingfor more information.

Strengths Strong brand image. Robust financial performance. Focused R&D driving innovation. Opportunities Strong growth in smartphone segment. Robust outlook for mobile advertising market.

Weaknesses Patent infringement. Product recalls.

Threats Rising popularity of Google Android. Intense competition. Dependence on specific suppliers.

Strong brand image provides an edge over competitors

The Apple brand is well recognized amongst most consumers. Apples products enjoy a high level of brand awareness and brand recognition throughout all its markets. This is evident with the rapid sales of new Apple launches. For instance, net sales of iPad and related products and services was $5 billion and unit sales of iPad were 7.5 million during 2010. According to industry sources, Apple is the fourth largest player in the global mobile phone market. The company holds a market share of approximately 5% and trails Nokia, Samsung and LG Electronics, which hold 29%, 18.5% and 6.5%, respectively. Moreover, in the global smartphone market, Apples iOS platform is the third largest player, with a market share of approximately 18.5%. The company is projected to take the second spot by overtaking the Symbian platform by the end of 2011. Strong brand image gives the company an edge over regional and global competitors. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.) Robust financial performance strengthens investors confidence and provides capital for future growth avenues Apple reported robust financial performance in the past few years. The companys total revenue increased to $65,225 million in FY2010 from $19,315 million in 2006, representing a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36%. Strong operating performance has resulted in higher cash and cash equivalents for the compan y. The companys cash and cash equivalents stood at $51,011 million in FY2010, which grew at a CAGR of 50% from $10,110 million in 2006. Strong growth in revenues and cash flows indicates the companys robust financial position, which strengthens investors confidence, as well as allows it to invest in future growth avenues. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.) Focused R&D driving innovation and consolidating its market position Apple has a strong focus on research and development (R&D) as continual investment in R&D is critical for the development and enhancement of innovative products and technologies. In addition to evolving its PCs and related solutions, the company continues to capitalize on the convergence of the PC, digital consumer electronics and mobile communications by creating and refining innovations, such as the iPod, iPhone, iTunes Store, Apple TV and iPad. The companys R&D expenditure was $1,782 million, $1,333 million and $1,109 milli on in FY2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The companys research and development spending is focused on further developing its existing Mac line of personal computers; the Mac OS X and iOS operating systems; application software for the Mac; iPhone, iPad and iPod and related software. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.)

Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results The company is involved in legal complaints relating to patent infringement. For example, in January 2010, Nokia filed a revised suit against Apple with the US International Trade Commission (ITC), alleging that Apple has infringed Nokias patents in almost all of its mobile phones, portable music players, and computers. Unfavorable verdict in any of the matters related to patent infringement or other intellectual property rights may affect the companys financial condition and operating results. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.)

Product recalls may harm Apples reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses The companys products and services experience quality problems from time to time. Apple sells highly complex hardware and software products and services that can contain defects in design and manufacture. For instance, in 2010, due to antenna problems in the newly launched iPhone 4 smartphone, demands for product recall were raised. Instead of the complete product recall, the company offered iPhone 4 customers a free case that will mitigate reception problems. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.)

Strong growth in smartphone and tablet markets to boost Apples revenues The worldwide smartphones market segment is forecast to record strong growth in coming years. The shipments for smartphones are expected to exceed 400 million globally. The number is expected to reach approximately 850 million by the end of 2013. Apple is the third largest player in the smartphone market segment in the US since launching its first mobile device, iPhone, in 2007. Moreover, the demand for tablets is increasing over the years. Globally, tablet shipments are expected to touch 150 million units by 2013. Apple launched the iPad in January 2010. In FY2010, the iPad generated $5 billion in revenues and showed unit sales of 7.5 million. In the first quarter of 2011, iPad sales were 7.33 million. Mobile apps are one of the most important factors in driving sales of smartphones. Apple is the strongest player in the mobile apps market, with approximately 350,000 apps. Its closest competitor, the Android market has 250,000 apps, while Blackberry and Windows Phone 7 has 20,000 and 9,000 apps respectively. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.) Robust outlook for mobile advertising market provides growth opportunity Global mobile advertising market is forecast to recover and have a modest growth in near future. According to industry sources the mobile advertising market is forecast to reach approximately $25 billion globally by the year 2015, riding on the strong growth of smartphones in both developed and emerging nations. In April 2010, Apple launched its mobile advertising platform, iAd. Apple had earlier acquired mobile ad platform Quattro Wireless to take a foothold in the mobile ad market. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.)

Rising popularity of Google Android may affect its market share The Google Android OS for smartphone is gaining rapid popularity. With the acquisition of Android Inc. in 2005, and the subsequent launch of Googles mobile OS Android changed the competitive landscape of smartphone business globally. Moreover, the online application store for Android applications Android Market is growing at a rapid pace. The Android Market currently offers approximately 250,000 apps, compared to 350,000 offered by Apples App Store, although Android has been a late entrant in the market. Increasing popularity of Android may affect the attractiveness of Apples iOS affecting the market share of Apple. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.) Intense competition may affect revenues and profitability Apple operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving technology industry. The company faces intense competition in consumer electronics, PCs and related software and peripheral products markets.

The companys competitors include Microsoft, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Fujitsu, Samsung Electronics, Sony and Toshiba, among others. The company is currently focused on market opportunities related to mobile communication devices including the iPhone. The mobile communications industry is highly competitive with several large, well-funded and experienced competitors. Further, the launch of iPhone spiked the demand for smartphone with touch functionality and other innovative features. This made several players in the mobile phone market, such as Nokia, HTC, RIM, Palm, Samsung and LG Electronics, launch their respective smartphone devices in the market creating significant competition. Intense competition in various markets in which Apple operates may result in the price erosion which may affect the companys revenues and profitability in the long run. (Datamonitor, Apple, Inc.) Dependence on specific suppliers may affect its operations The company depends on third party suppliers for various components used in its products. Although most components essential to the companys business are generally available from multiple sources, certain key components including microprocessors, enclosures, certain liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Moreover, many key components that are available from multiple sources including NAND flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and certain LCDs, are subject to industry-wide shortages and significant commodity pricing fluctuations. The companys dependence on few suppliers makes it susceptible to supply and pricing risks, which may adversely affect the companys operations.