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Comp and Strategy Game

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Strength

Apple is a very successful company. Sales of its iPod music player had increased its second quarter profits to $320 (June 2005). The favorable brand perception had also increased sales of Macintosh computers. So iPod gives the company access to a whole new series of segments that buy into other parts of the Apple brand. Sales of its notebooks products is also very strong, and represents a huge contribution to income for Apple.

Apple designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers (PCs), mobile communication devices, and portable digital music and video players. The company also offers a variety of related software, services, peripherals and networking solutions. The company also provides online distribution of third-party music, audio books, music videos, short films and television shows. The company has a strong brand image, which enables it to command a premium price for its products and gives it an edge over regional as well as global competitors. However, intense competition threatens to erode the company’s revenues and profitability in long term.

1). Strong brand image

2). Robust financial

3). Focused R&D

Weaknesses

Product recalls

The company’s products and services experience quality problems from time to time. Apple sells highly complex hardware and software products and services that can contain defects in design and manufacture. Defects may also occur in components and products that the company purchases from third parties. There can be no assurance the company will be able to detect and fix all defects in the hardware, software and services it sells. For instance, in 2008, Apple announced Ultra compact USB Adapter Exchange Program. Under certain conditions, the new Ultra compact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs broke off and remained in a power outlet, creating the risk of electric shock. Therefore, the

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