Apple : The World 's Top User Electronics And Personal Computer Companies Essay

First, let’s start with the Apple Inc. mission and the company history and an introduction of what apple is and what they do and provide to the market. Apple designs high quality personal computers, music players and mobile communication devices for business, education and entertainment (Apple, 2012). Apple, through easy to use, professional software such as iOS, OSX and iTunes leads the world in digital music distribution and mobile computing with its iPod, iPhone and iPad devices (Apple, 2012). Apple will continue to create electronic devices and software that is so cutting edge that it is redefining mobile computing, media distribution, and communication.

Established in 1969, Samsung Electronics is one of the leaders in consumer electronics industry in international scale. The company has generated the record KRW 206,206 billion sales and KRW 25,025 billion operating profit during 2014. During the same period, Samsung recorded a debt ratio of 37.1%, equity ratio of 72.9%, and return on equity ratio of 14.7%. The company employs 320,000 people in 84 countries and localization strategy is used extensively in its global operations. The business is divided into three large segments – consumer electronics, IT & mobile communications and device solutions.

Apple is a global company represented in many parts of the world, but born in the United States by computer wizards by the names of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak who founded the company back in 1976 (Capon, 2008). The organization deals with the design and sale of computer hardware, software and offers tech support to its customers. Examples of the hardware the company manufactures and sells include mobile phones, personal computers, iPads, tablets and iTunes with associated brands, like the MacBook and iPhones that represent Apple’s driving force towards its success. It is recognized as a brand leader in consumer electronics by the world in terms of quality and customer satisfaction and despite the wide product range, Apple manages each product in a distinct way that is a single business unit (Mittan, 2010).

The multi billion-dollar corporation, Apple Inc., designs and manufactures some of today’s highest technological gizmos and gadgets. Among their best known products are the Apple and Macintosh computers, iPods, iTunes, iPhones and iPads. Apple is one of the most powerful and influential high tech companies in the world. The success of Apple Inc. stems from the innovation and visions of co-founder and entrepreneur, Steve Jobs, the excellence of the stylish, user-friendly products, and the ability to create innovative products that consumer’s desire.

On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs and Steven Wozniak invented the technology company, Apple. These two brilliant inventors invented the billionaire company after dropping out of college. Though Apple provides its customers with advanced products, Apple has many controversies that affect its economic stability as well as the company’s reputation.

This essay will be a report on the technology corporation: Apple, famously founded in Cupertino in April 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Their innovative structuring of technological devices to make them both sleek and accessible has seen the once struggling business make a meteoric rise in popularity, and subsequently, equity. Products like the iPhone, iPod and MacBook have turned Apple into a household name and made them ever-present in the western world- with a vast range of products and thorough advertising campaigns: they truly are a franchise that refuses to be ignored. Despite their impressive rise to success: over the course of 40 years, the company have been no stranger to controversy and malfunction. This essay is a PESTLE analysis of Apple and will discuss them from an array of different standpoints: politically, economically, socially, technologically and ethically. The essay will display itself as an accumulation of research by referencing information from several different sources across all of the aforementioned topics.

Nowadays, Apple has positioned itself to be an innovator in the personal computer industry and Apple has developed by offering modern products compared to its competitors. According to Apple’s mission statement last year, “Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.” (Business Management,

Apple is considered to this day one of the most important and well-known corporations of the world (Rumelt, 2011). Since the early beginnings the company has been known for its particular focus on a specific user market as well as its customer friendly campaigns and touch for an upper medium consumer. Currently, Apple stands as one of the most successful corporations on the market. This place however is the result of a specific line of thinking and a strategic planning that transformed Apple Computer to Apple Inc. and placing the company in front of its competitors.

The Apple Computer Company is possibly one of the most innovative technology companies to emerge in the last three decades. It was established in 1976 and went public in 1980, founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and is one of the leading technological companies in the world (Gupta & Prinzinger, 2013). It is responsible for bringing to market such products as the

Johnson et al. (2010) explained that Apple Inc. was established by Ron Wayne, Steve Wozniak, and Steve Jobs founded the company in 1976 , which is headquartered in Cupertino, California, United States. Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures and markets personal computers, consumer electronics and software, and related services. (“Apple Inc. SWOT analysis - Strategic Management Insight “n.d., para.1). "Company Overview.", (n.d.) reported that the mission of “Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software, and the Internet offerings” (para.1). According to “Company Overview.", (n.d.) article that Apple of mission statement to deliver world-class computer products for all consumers. Apple’s core goal is to provide a meaningful computer experience to its targeted customers. (para.2.) Johnson et al. (2010) recently studied that the company's business strategy uses its unique ability to design and develop its own operating systems, hardware, application software and services to provide its customers

Currently Apple makes products such as the Mac computer, iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Apple Watch. But when time back to January 9, 2001, Apple’s product line is limited. Most of their products are personal computer and computer accessory. The most famous product at that time is Macintosh which is known as MAC now. The Macintosh was released on January 22, 1984 which is 32 years ago. Now the Apple’s personal computer product line has largely expanded. Apple now makes product like Macbook, Mac-Air, Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iMac which satisfied their customer from all needs. When time went to the 21st century, Apple also has revolutionized the music listening and downloading industry when it launched the iPod, in 2001, and iTunes, in 2003[5].

Company Background: Samsung is a South Korean multinational company those starting its business as a small trading company and right now becoming world largest corporation. The company deals with its business in several sectors such as advance technology, finance, petrochemical, semiconductors, plant construction, skyscraper, medicine, fashion, hotels, chemical and others. The company was established in 1969 in Suwon, South Korea and known globally for its electronic products (Kelly, 2011). The company is manufacturing several latest technologies, electronic appliances such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, washers and other products. The company runs its operations and sales its products in 61 countries with approx 160,000 employees in all over the world (SAMSUNG, 2014). Moreover, the company acquired the position of the world biggest IT maker in 2009 by beating the Hewlett-Packard (HP) previous leader. Its sales revenue in the segment of LCD and LED is the highest in the world. Furthermore, Samsung also becomes world leader in the segment of tablets, mobile phones and gadgets.

Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, online services, and personal computers combining technology and design, using an user friendly approach. Apple regarded “switch” as its slogan and it valued innovation very much. The main features of the company can be resumed in this tables:

Samsung started its first operation in 1983, as a small export business, selling dried fish, vegetables and noodles, and today Samsung has grown into some parts, Samsung Electronics, Ltd., is a part of Samsung Group, that has the world’s leading and biggest technology company by revenues. The Samsung produces consumer electronics, telecoms equipment and home appliances. Samsung has 326,000 employees with it

The main function of Apple Inc is the development of personal computers and its related software. It also offers network solutions and other related accessories that boost the operations of the PCs. The United States in the main operating place for the company as the company offers its portfolio composed of the Mac computing system, iPods, iPhones, iPads, and the specific servers. The operations of Apple Inc have been narrowed down so as to appeal to a specific group of people with the need for effective personal computers. This has boosted the corporate reputation of the company since it creates a strong relationship between the product sales of the organization. Apple Inc has great portrayal of leadership that is effective to the public. This creates credibility for the company and its brand hence leading to company that is focused at satisfying the needs of the customers. The stylish products of the company identify with the selected target group of Apple Inc (“Operating environment“, 2011, para. 3).