Strategy
Strengths include the well-designed products that the company puts out, such as the iPhone, iPad and Macintosh computers. Apple has loyal customers and the strength of its products allows it to charge more than its competitors.
Weaknesses include Apple’s relative softness in the business market. Most of its products are bought by everyday consumers and aren’t widely used by businesses – PCs are more common computers to find in an office, and Research In Motion, which makes Blackberry phones, has long produced preferred tools for those in the working world.
That market gap is an opportunity for Apple, too. For example, businesses have been using iPhones more frequently for their employees as the device has grown and expanded its features.
Threats include the growing use of the Android platform for smartphones from companies like HTC and Motorola, and the growing tablet computer market — although the iPad reigns supreme for now.
Strengths * Apple's strengths are being a design innovator that is ahead of the trends, creating ergonomic electronics that fit people's lives. Specifically, Apple has been able to invest significantly in research and development, having invested $80 million in the quarter ending in June 2010.
Weaknesses
* Apple acknowledges that its profitability is dependent on the global economy. Economic downturns can have a significant negative effect on the company, and fluctuations in foreign currencies make profit predictions in foreign markets uncertain.
Opportunities
* Apple is expected to introduce a new mobile advertising platform for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. The introduction of this advertising platform represents an opportunity for new revenue sources.
Threats
* Apple is involved in several legal actions, including lawsuits alleging patent infringement and antitrust violations. Many of the suits are from smaller companies, but notable plaintiffs include Nokia. These lawsuits present a threat because of the
Weaknesses include Apple’s relative softness in the business market. Most of its products are bought by everyday consumers and aren’t widely used by businesses – PCs are more common computers to find in an office, and Research In Motion, which makes Blackberry phones, has long produced preferred tools for those in the working world.
That market gap is an opportunity for Apple, too. For example, businesses have been using iPhones more frequently for their employees as the device has grown and expanded its features.
Threats include the growing use of the Android platform for smartphones from companies like HTC and Motorola, and the growing tablet computer market — although the iPad reigns supreme for now.
Strengths * Apple's strengths are being a design innovator that is ahead of the trends, creating ergonomic electronics that fit people's lives. Specifically, Apple has been able to invest significantly in research and development, having invested $80 million in the quarter ending in June 2010.
Weaknesses
* Apple acknowledges that its profitability is dependent on the global economy. Economic downturns can have a significant negative effect on the company, and fluctuations in foreign currencies make profit predictions in foreign markets uncertain.
Opportunities
* Apple is expected to introduce a new mobile advertising platform for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. The introduction of this advertising platform represents an opportunity for new revenue sources.
Threats
* Apple is involved in several legal actions, including lawsuits alleging patent infringement and antitrust violations. Many of the suits are from smaller companies, but notable plaintiffs include Nokia. These lawsuits present a threat because of the