...factors for Apple, Inc. that have made it successful in the markets that it competes in. First, the company is constantly coming up with new and creative innovations. In the personal computer industry, it created MacBooks in 2009. In the personal media player industry Apple created the iPod. This followed with the creation of the itunes store, which catapulted iPod sales. This was due to the fact that consumers could download and store music, movies, and applications and use iTunes in conjunction with the iPod. In 2007, Apple entered the smartphone industry by launching the iPhone. Finally, in 2010, Apple introduced the iPad (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, & Strickland, 2012) .The iPad is the product that put the entire tablet industry on the map. Apple's innovation was ingenious in that its products are linked together with one another. iPods, iPads, and iPhones are nearly identical in the way they are run and they all are used with iTunes. Users are able to run their songs, movies, and applications on all of the above products. This creates a huge halo effect as many consumers choose Apple products when shopping for portable music devices, tablets, and phones because there is very little learning curve from one product to the next and they can download their iTunes purchases onto all of their Apple products. These products show how innovative Apple is and leave competitors scrambling to launch products to try to achieve success in the markets that Apple has already...
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...Case Study 8: Apple Inc. in 2010 By reviewing performances of each product line and analyzing the financial statements before 2010, we suggest Apple to keep all of its business segments, because personal media players and personal computers have played an important role in Apple’s longevity, and Smart phones and tablet computers are critical divers of revenues in the present and future. First, personal media players product line should not be dropped since it was not only the driver of “hallo effect,” but also the leader of personal media player industry. Dropping this product line will cause adverse conjecture about the future of Apple and affect the stock price dramatically, because this business segment created “hallo effect,” helping other products of Apple became popular with customers in the past years, which means it was considered by publics as the icon product to Apple. In addition, there is no need to drop this line. Although there were a lot of producers in the digital music players industry, Apple held 73% market share in 2010, and none of rivals with very little market share in this industry can compete with Apple. Because of the significance and absolute predominance of personal media players, Apple should not drop its media players line. Second, since personal computers is a potential market which has big growth space, and this sector is the main business for Apple, Apple should not get rid of this product line. With the worldwide recovering economy, the demand...
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...After Steve Jobs took over as interim CEO of Apple in September of 1997 the company moved from being solely a PC company to creating several new and innovative products, contributing to the company's extreme success. In 2001 Jobs presented his "Digital Hub" strategy involving the Mac computer. This strategy that had been implemented to the Macintosh and other products resulted in Apple becoming the fourth-largest PC vendor in the US. Jobs' digital hub strategy was expanded with the release of the Apple iPod in 2001, followed by the iPhone in 2007, and the iPad in 2010. Although Apple had several great success with Jobs as CEO, the company faced some occasionally failures as well. The Mac Mini did not sell as well as the company had hoped due to limited memory and few expansion options. Another disappointment that Apple faced was the Apple TV. Apple has been able to differentiate themselves from other competitors in the PC industry due to the innovative digital hub strategy that Jobs founded and implemented in the Mac PC. He saw that people were becoming more enriched in a digital lifestyle and used the Mac as the "hub" to control and integrate these other digital devices that people were using day to day. This digital hub strategy ultimately changed the PC industry, creating a lower level of rivalry within the industry. The characteristics of the PC Industry may not have proven to be favorable for Apple, however, the company seems to be able to continue to be a leading PC...
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...apple inc in 2010 Lou Marino The University of Alabama espite the effects of ongoing poor economic conditions in the United States, Apple Inc. celebrated record quarterly revenues and unit sales of computers during its third quarter of 2010. In addition, the company's newly released iPad tablet computer had sold 3.3 million units between its April 3, 2010, launch and the June 26, 2010, quarter end. The company also sold 8.4 million iPhones during the quarter. Most of the smartphone units sold during the third quarter of 2010 were iPhone 3GS models since the new iPhone 4 launched only four days prior to the close of the quarter. Although there had been some criticism of the antenna design of the iPhone 4, more than 3 million iPhone 4 units had been purchased by July 16, 2010, with only 1.7 percent being returned by dissatisfied customers. By comparison, the iPhone 3GS had a 6 percent return rate. Apple's chief operating officer, Tim Cook, commented to the Wall Street Journal that the company was selling iPads and iPhones "as fast as we can make them" and was "working around the clock to try to get supply and demand in balance.'" Some analysts were projecting that Apple would sell nearly 12 million iPad tablet computers by year-end 2010. However, others were concerned that once Apple aficionados had purchased an iPad to complement their iPhone, iPod, or Mac, further sales growth might be difficult to achieve. A former Apple executive commented, "The first five million will be...
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...Apple Inc. in 2010 Jennifer Rossin American Military University BUSN620 Strategic Management May 15, 2015 Abstract Per the assignment given, this paper explores Case Study #4, Apple Inc. in 2010. On April 4, 2010, Apple Inc. (from this point forward, referred to as “Apple”) launched the first generation of the iPad. The third largely hyped product launched by the company over the previous ten years, the iPad was greatly anticipated and touted as the “next big thing.” This paper will examine how Apple competes with the rest of the PC, MP3 player and smartphone markets, along with challenges the company faces (at the time of the study). It will also discuss the leadership of Steve Jobs and the direction Apple has gone in since his departure from the company. Apple vs. the PC In the Beginning When 21-year-old college dropout Steve Jobs and his two friends Steve Woznizk and Ronald Wayne would hang out in Jobs’ parents’ garage, it wasn’t a band they were contemplating forming, but the future of computers as we know them today. On April 1, 1976, the three incorporated Apple Computer. Originally a do-it-yourself kit, sans a case, the Apple 1 was the first all-in-one microcomputer. Eventually, the Macintosh was introduced in 1984. Continuing through to 2010, Apple has continually improved on its version of the personal computer, creating faster machines and a bigger and bigger customer following. Competing in the PC Market In 2010...
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...GBA507 | Apple Case Study | | | | Laura GriffinJanuary 2, 2013Professor Gregory Fallon | | Apple Computer was founded in 1976 by masterminds Steven Wozniak and Steven Jobs. Together they created and introduced the first mass produced personal computer and eventually went on to produce breakthrough after breakthrough in the technology and music world. Steve Jobs had a short stint away from the company however, returned many years later to bring Apple Inc. into the fast growing and much anticipated world of music and technology. Apple has been engaged in design, development and marketing of personal computers, media devices, and portable music devices such as, the famous and highly sought after iPod. The company also sells a variety of related software, services, networking solutions, third party digital content and applications. Their product line encompasses products such as, the Mac pc; several versions of the iPod, music download program iTunes, the iPhone, iPad, and the iStore to purchase items that service their product lines. Apple primary operates in the US. And its headquarters are located in Cupertino, CA. The company employs approximately 47,000 employees. Apple has had many highlights in its history, as well as, some setbacks. The company was led by pioneers in the beginning creating the first mass produced personal computer but had a hard time keeping up as other entrants matched and surpassed capabilities of what Apple products...
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...iPhones, iPods, iPads, the Macintosh desktops and laptops as well as other product services. The differentiation strategy Apple has employed allows them to try meet the needs of a diverse global market by offering its customers innovative new products, as well upgrades and improvements on existing products. Their ability to develop their own operating systems and software gives them complete control over future software, operating systems and products when it comes to future developments. Apple’s innovation strategy revolves around quickly responding to new market demands and, technology advancements. Apple always has improvements in its product lines which match with current technology trends. The pieces fit well together very well because in my opinion differentiation and innovation work well hand in hand. They are innovating new products and services that set them apart from their competitors and, using this to execute their differentiation strategy. Yes, I do believe Apple’s strategy is evolving because through their ability of developing their own operating systems, software and hardware. Apple has been able to grow from just the computer industry and evolved into the media player, mobile phone and tablet computer industries. 2. The key elements in Apple’s strategy in computers are the style, unique features and limited selection. The appearance in Apple computers is very attractive, sleek and stylish. Their computers have this edgy and fashionable look which is very different...
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...he iPhone (pron.: /ˈaɪfoʊn/ eye-fohn) is a line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It runs Apple's iOS mobile operating system, known as the "iPhone OS" until mid-2010, shortly after the release of the iPad. The first iPhone was released on June 29, 2007;[14] the most recent iPhone, the sixth-generation iPhone 5, on September 21, 2012.[15] The user interface is built around the device's multi-touch screen, including a virtual keyboard. The iPhone has Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity (2G, 3G and 4G). An iPhone can shoot video (though this was not a standard feature until the iPhone 3GS), take photos, play music, send and receive email, browse the web, send texts, and receive visual voicemail. Other functions—games, reference, GPS navigation, social networking, etc.—can be enabled by downloading apps; as of 2012, the App Store offered more than 700,000 apps by Apple and third parties.[16] There are six generations of iPhone models, each accompanied by one of the six major releases of iOS. The original iPhone was a GSM phone, and established design precedents, such as screen size and button placement, that have persisted through all models. The iPhone 3G added 3G cellular network capabilities and A-GPS location. The iPhone 3GS added a faster processor and a higher-resolution camera that could record video at 480p. The iPhone 4 featured a higher-resolution 960 × 640 "retina display", a higher-resolution rear-facing camera and a lower-resolution front-facing camera...
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...Running Head: MIRROR WORLDS VERSUS APPLE, INC. 1 Mirror Worlds versus Apple, Inc. Willful Infringement MIRROR WORLDS VERSUS APPLE, INC. 2 ABSTRACT This paper will discuss the lawsuit filed by Mirror Worlds LLC against Apple, Inc. for infringement of four patents owned by Mirror Worlds. Mirror Worlds’ patents cover intellectual property; namely that of digital and visual media and the consolidation and sorting thereof. The jury’s verdict in this case awarded Mirror Worlds a substantial amount of money for damages caused by the supposed willful infringement of Apple, Inc. In addition, Apple, Inc.’s arguments, namely involving the claim of willful infringement, evolving into a counterclaim against Mirror Worlds will also be discussed. Keywords: intellectual property, patents, infringement, software, documents, counterclaim, willful infringement MIRROR WORLDS VERSUS APPLE, INC. 3 Mirror Worlds versus Apple, Inc. Willful Infringement In February of 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO, granted Apple Inc. a design patent on Cover Flow, which covers the design and display of specific documents, but not the functionality. “A patent is a legal right, for a limited term, to exclude others from using, selling or making an invention or discovery.” (Kay, Millonzi and Passannante, 2001). Patent D609715 regards an “animated graphical user interface for a display screen or portion thereof. The process or period in which an image transitions to...
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...APPLE INC IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS (WORLD) December 2011 SCOPE OF THE REPORT Scope This profile of Apple Inc focuses on its operations in consumer electronics as well as its product distribution lines, and examines future opportunities and challenges for the company globally. Disclaimer Much of the information in this briefing is of a statistical nature and, while every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, Euromonitor International cannot be held responsible for omissions or errors. Figures in tables and analyses are calculated from unrounded data and may not sum. Analyses found in the briefings may not totally reflect the companies’ opinions, reader discretion is advised. Apple Inc Consumer electronics Retailing Portable computers Electronics and appliance specialist retailers Portable media players Internet retailing This profile of Apple Inc examines the company’s operations in consumer electronics and retailing, with a focus on forward looking analysis of its prospects in computers and portable consumer electronics. A brief overview of Apple Inc’s content retailing and operational specifics is provided to supplement the core analysis. Smartphones © Euromonitor International CONSUMER ELECTRONICS: APPLE INC PASSPORT 2 STRATEGIC EVALUATION COMPETITIVE POSITIONING MARKET ASSESSMENT CATEGORY OPPORTUNITIES BRAND STRATEGY OPERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS STRATEGIC EVALUATION Key company facts Apple Inc...
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...Analysis of Apple Inc. Apple Inc., founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were looking to create a new type of computer. Thirty years later not only have they become one of the leading computer companies, but have also become successful in many other technological areas. Apple has branched out in computers (iMac, Macbook, Macbook Air, iPad), music industry (iPod, iTunes), cellular phone (iPhone), and have become leaders in these areas as well. To make an informed decision of whether or not to invest in Apple Inc., a business analysis must be done to determine the financial health of the company. The United States has been enduring an economic downturn since December 2007, according to The National Bureau of Economic Research (Isidore, 2008). Despite the recent economic downturn, Apple Inc. has turned a substantial profit for the past five years and is consistently one of the top performing firms in the Fortune 500. A review of their financial statement shows the extent of their success through the country’s struggles. Apple Inc.’s balance sheet, which is provides detailed information about a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder’s equity (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2007). Apple Inc. has reported steady grains of their assest from the preverious years. They reported a gain of 150% in 2007, 16% in 2008, 1% in 2009 and 11% in 2010. Apple Inc.’s total current assets went from $14 billion in September 2006 to $41 billion in September 2010 (Apple Inc...
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...Marketing Mix Paper The term “marketing mix” dates all the way back to the 1960 – 1970s. Neil Borden first coined this term in 1953, and constructed this terminology from James Culliton’s analogy of the marketing procedure being compared to a “mix of ingredients” (NetMBA, 2010). The term ever since has been used all the time when the topic of marketing is brought up. The marketing mix consists of 4 ingredients; often referred as the four P’s (this phrase is interchangeable with the phrase “marketing mix”). Culliton’s analogy was a perfect way to describe the components a marketing plan. The ingredients of a marketing mix can be thought as the ingredients of a cake; all of the ingredients are necessary for the cake to be tasty, However, if too much or too less of some ingredient(s) is/are included, then the cake will be ruined. One can tweak the formula for the cake specifically to enhance the taste of the cake in certain aspects (sweetness, flavor, frosting, etc.). This same concept can be applied directly into marketing; the same actions that one can take and the results in the cake scenario directly correlate to the results of the marketing plan. The four P’s of the marketing mix are price, place, product, and promotion. Each component has its importance, and it is utterly important that all of the components are given equal and abundant importance. The customer is the most important part of the marketing strategy but it isn’t included in the marketing mix because all...
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...life cycle follows a common structure, with 5 standard stages; introduction, growth, maturity, saturation and decline. Although realistically, most product don't follow such a prescriptive style. To know what stage in the PLC a products' in, a marketer should analyse the; sales, profits, customers, competitors and costs. Apples highly succesful and innovative iPod took the world by storm for many years, although new advances in technology and media devices are changing the stage in the PLC that iPod may be experiancing after years of succecess. The PLC allows marketers to determine revenue earned and helps contribute to strategic marketing planning by helping a company identify when a product may need support, reinvigorating, or redesign, and is a helpful tool in regard to forcasting and managing cashflow. However the PLC paradigm can over-emphasise new product release due to products reaching maturity, but the reality is more profitability can be created through mature products as they already have an established market, and do not need such investment levels for promotion or advertising as a new product would. Since the release of the iconic iPod by Apple in 2001, sales of the...
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...Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy American Military University BUS620 16 February 2014 Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Abstract 2 Apple Incorporated is an industry leader and this piece will serve to address questions pertaining to Apple’s competition in the Personal Computer (PC), MP3, and smart phone market and how its strategy has evolved along with the evolution of the products. Threats and challenges that Apple faces as is moves forward are also identified. Finally a brief assessment of Apple Incorporated after the exit of Steve Jobs as its Chief Executive Officer and his effectiveness as a strategic manager. Keywords: Personal Computer Running Header: APPLE INC. IN 2010 Apple Inc. in 2010 An Analysis of Business Strategy 3 Apple is extremely competitive in the personal computer (PC) market and has carved out a very specific niche for its brand through an evolution of product development and marketing strategies. The market for personal computing evolved as quickly as technology could be developed and Apple’s approach was to offer the consumer a “plug and play” option, meaning everything needed for desktop publishing and education (from hardware and software to peripherals) were integrated in the Macintosh system and could readily and easily be utilized (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Apple offers a level of exclusivity for its consumers. The cost of an Apple machine is expensive, but the quality is...
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...Organizational Behavior at Apple Inc Brandi Hobbs Upper Iowa University Organizational Behavior at Apple Inc Thesis statement “The success of Apple Inc is the result of effective organizational culture and organizational behavior at the organization.” Introduction Apple Inc is an US based global organization. The company’s headquarter is located in California. The company designs, sells and advances computers, consumer electronics and software. The famous hardware of Apple is Mac series of computers, the iPod music players, Smartphone and iPad tablet PCs. The famous software are iOS & OS X operating systems, the media browsers of iTunes, the safari web browser and iWork and iLife production and originality suits (Yohe, 2011). The company was founded in the year 1976 by Steve Jobs. It was incorporated as Apple computers Inc. However, later on the word computer was eradicated from its title, since the launch of iPhone Smartphone mobile. Apple has achieved the second position in information technology industry after Samsung Electronics with respect to income. Moreover, the company is the third largest mobile making organization after Nokia and Samsung. The company has been considered as the most regarded firm by Fortune magazines and all over the world. All the credit for these achievements goes to the organizational commitment and management approach at Apple Inc. the management at Apple Inc is most organized with focus on employees and job...
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