Apple Inc - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... As for the software products, Apple offers a complete portfolio of consumer and professional software applications which include iOS and Mac OS X for its operating system; and iCloud for its online content tool. Moreover, Apple sells and delivers digital content and application such as music and literary art through iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store. In line with its unique offerings, Apple sells a variety of third party compatible products such as printers, storage devices, speakers, and headphones; as well as applications of software programs. In terms of customers, Apple caters to private consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and the education sector. Demographically, Apple’s private consumers are mainly consisted of young, early adopters who are technologically-savvy and are followers of media trends, as described by David Appleyard in his online article entitled Profile of an iPhone User: Interesting Statistics about Yourself. Being heavy users of the web and mobile devices, they always want to get updated with the current social happenings. Apple also caters to small and medium-sized business by providing hardware and software products that aim to simplify its business operations through easy-to-use computer products and software applications. As for the education sector, Apple is also committed to bringing the effective integration of technology into the classroom set-up to attain higher levels of student achievement. As such, Apple supports mobile learning and distribution of education materials through iTunes U. Apple’s company vision is driven by its commitment to bring the best customer experience through valuable product innovation. As such, the company’s business strategy focuses on its “unique ability to design and develop its operating systems, hardware, application software, and services to provide its customers new products and solutions with superior ease-of-use, seamless integration, and innovative design” (Apple 1). In line with this overarching goal of delivering innovative products and services, Apple invests heavily on research and development, as evidenced by its expenditures of $2.4 billion, $1.8 billion, and $1.3 billion for 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. This is grounded on Apple’s belief that in order to compete successfully, it must ensure a continual and timely flow of competitive products and services to the market. Keeping with its mission of driving innovation, Apple consistently manufactures hardware and software products that are known for its simplicity and beauty. In this light, functionality and form essentially constitute the key attributes of all its products. As highlighted in an online blog entitled 7 Strategies that You Must Learn from Apple Marketing, Apple’s success banks on turning the ordinary into something beautiful. But developing a good product and service is not enough. It must be delivered and communicated well to the consumers. Thus, as part of its business strategy, Apple also emphasizes on enhancing the customer experience and creating relevant marketing communications. Firstly, giving valuable customer experience relies on ensuring a smooth and unique point-of-sale service. Thus, having strategic distribution networks is important. Currently, Apple manages its own retail and online stores; ...Download file to see next pagesRead More