SWOT Analysis of Apple

abhishreshthaa

New member
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL; NYSE: AAPL; previously Apple Computer, Inc.) is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. Apple software includes the Mac OS X operating system; the iTunes media browser; the iLife suite of multimedia and creativity software; the iWork suite of productivity software; Aperture, a professional photography package; Final Cut Studio, a suite of professional audio and film-industry software products; Logic Studio, a suite of music production tools; the Safari internet browser; and iOS, a mobile operating system. As of August 2010, the company operates 301 retail stores[3] in ten countries,[4] and an online store where hardware and software products are sold. As of May 2010, Apple is one of the largest companies in the world and the most valuable technology company in the world, having surpassed Microsoft.[5]
Established on April 1, 1976 in Cupertino, California, and incorporated January 3, 1977,[6] the company was previously named Apple Computer, Inc., for its first 30 years, but removed the word "Computer" on January 9, 2007,[7] to reflect the company's ongoing expansion into the consumer electronics market in addition to its traditional focus on personal computers.[8] As of September 2010, Apple had 46,600 full time employees and 2,800 temporary full time employees worldwide[2] and had worldwide annual sales of $65.23 billion

Apple Computers Inc is an American based multinational company which deals with consumer electronics goods and computer software’s. The Company well known hardware products are Macintosh Computer, iPod and iPhone. The software produts include Mac operating sytem,itunes and etc.
Strengths
• iTunes Music Store is a excellent source of revenue, especially with the iPod and the accessibility on Windows platform.
• Apple Computer are expert in Developing own software and hardware.
• Apple’s niche audience provides the company with some lagging from the direct price competition.


• Giving a face-lift to desktop and notebook lines.
• Web technology can be used to improve product awareness and sales.
• Low debt—more maneuverable.
• Apple Computers have good brand loyalty.
• Partnership with Intel Computers in 2006 – Present.
• Strong Research & Development Department.
Weaknesses
• Weak relationship with Intel and Microsoft.
• Weak presence in business arena.
• The product life cycle of Apple products are very small for that reasons revenues are more depend on launch of new products and services.
• Weak presence in markets other than education and publishing.
• Slow turn around on high demand products.
• Apples market share is far behind from major competitor Microsoft.
• In past the relationship between Steve jobs and employee were not good which result in reputation loss.
Opportunities
• Increase in worms and viruses on PCs so the antivirus solution can be developed by Apple
• Large population (Gen X&Y) which are extremely individualistic and name brand conscious.
• The ties of apple other companies are weak, Apple can develop good relationship for joint ventures
• Downloadable music and MP3 players are highly marketable.
• The online sales of computer are increasing with rapid speed.
• The laptop market growth is high; Apple Computers should focus to develop new models to cater the need of customers.
Threats
• Companies not seeing Apple as compatible with their software.
• Apple facing strong competition from Dell, HP, Sony and Toshiba in laptop segment.
• Downloading free music from other online source without paying cost is common it may impact the iTunes sales.
• Apple software, Cell phone and hardware are expensive as compared to other competitors such as Dell.
• The long lasting recession may impact the sales of the company due to higher prices of the products and services
• Microsoft launched Microsoft Vista, Windows 7 which is gaining market share.
 
Top