Apple is one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world, with a wide range of products and services that span everything from smartphones to laptops. But what are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing Apple today, and how can the company leverage this information to stay ahead of the competition?
In this blog post, we will conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis of Apple. We will explore the company’s strengths, such as its strong brand image and extensive research and development, as well as its weaknesses, such as its high prices and dependence on a few key products. We will also examine the opportunities and threats facing the company, including changing consumer preferences and increasing competition from both domestic and international players.
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the factors that are shaping Apple’s success, as well as the challenges the company faces in the years ahead. Whether you’re a potential investor, a student of business, or simply interested in the strategies of successful companies, this SWOT analysis is sure to provide valuable insights into one of the most innovative and respected technology companies in the world. So let’s dive in and explore the SWOT analysis of Apple.
An Overview of Apple’s SWOT | Apple SWOT
Apple, Inc., is one of the most successful companies in the world. The company has been providing robust technology products and exceptional software services. Apple is headquartered in Cupertino, California, and was founded by Steve Jobs.
Apple launched its first product, the Apple 1 computer, in 1976. Since then, Apple has grown exponentially in terms of products and services.
Today, one of Apple’s most successful products is the ‘iPhone’. In the fiscal year 2022, iPhone sales of $205 billion will represent over half (52%) of Apple’s overall revenue of $394 billion.
Tim Cook is the current CEO of the company.
Checkout: Nike SWOT 2023 | SWOT Analysis of Nike
SWOT analysis of Apple
Here’s a detailed analysis of Apple’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Apple Strengths
Most Valuable BrandApple is ranked #1 for the 9th consecutive year by Interbrand, with a brand value of $408 billion. Followed by Amazon, ranked #2 with a brand value of $249 billion, and Microsoft ranked #3 with a brand value of $210 billion.
- Globally Iconic
Apple is one of the most reliable companies for personalized, advanced computers and intelligent technology devices. It has millions of loyal customers with steady increments.
- Top Technology
Apple was the first to introduce some of the most innovative products that have changed the world (iPhones, iPads, and AirPods). Apple is still determined to build and craft better, more proficient technology devices.
- Brand of Choice
It isn’t big news that Apple is a favorable brand in corporate offices, especially among creative professionals. Apple offers top-quality technology solutions for every corporation’s needs. Professionals prefer high-performance technology such as Mac Pros or iMacs for visual design, animation, video production, and other creative work.
- Proficient Research and Development
Apple puts dedication into its product designs. A careful study and extensive research are performed to help understand customer needs and market trends. Apple continues to invest substantial money in research and development for future growth and a competitive edge. For example, Apple spends $26.25 billion (about 7%) of its revenue on R&D.
- Sustainability is made possible through Liam.
Liam is an iPhone recycling robot that breaks down and dissects an iPhone. It strips them down to a single bolt. Most parts of an iPhone can be reused.
Liam is designed to yield as many reusable parts as possible. These reusable parts are then categorized and safely stored for new manufacturing.
- Expansion in services
Apple has been expanding its service portfolio for many years. For example, about 20% of Apple’s annual revenue ($78 billion out of $394 billion in FY 22) came from its services, the second most significant contributor after the iPhone (52% of its revenue).
Apple’s services include digital content stores, streaming, iCloud, AppleCare, and payment services. Recently, Apple has introduced many new services, such as Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Card (credit card services), Apple Arcade (game subscription), Apple Fitness+, etc.
Apple Weaknesses
- High-priced products
Apple’s products can be considered luxuries due to their premium prices. The products are priced for middle- and high-income consumers. Low-income consumers can’t simply afford Apple products.
Due to their premium pricing, only middle- or high-earning individuals can afford their products.
- Limited advertising and promotions
Apple has solidified its position by establishing loyal customers, even with limited advertising resources. Apple’s marketing relies heavily on its iconic and flagship retail stores.
Because of its success, Apple does not feel the need to overspend on advertising compared to other big brands such as P&G, Pepsi, Verizon, Coca-Cola, etc.
- Entering an Area of Non-Competency
Apple is rapidly expanding into new services such as video content streaming, game streaming, and payment services (credit cards), competing with the dominant players such as Netflix, Disney, Citi, Chase, Paypal, etc.
They might be entering areas in which they lack competencies; remember the failure of Apple Maps?
- Incompatibility with Other Software
When a customer buys an Apple product, they enter the Apple universe. Apple’s products do not support other software or technologies, making them incompatible with other devices.
Customers must purchase Apple apps or accessories exclusively to continue using their Apple products.
- Allegations of tracking
Tracking users undermines trust. Apple has been accused of using tracking apps in its phones that revealed users’ precise location.
Even though the latest version of Apple’s phones gives users the right to decline tracking, trust is difficult to regain once lost.
- Unfair Business Practices
Apple is under investigation for unfair business practices after receiving payments to make Google’s search engine the default search engine for its Safari web browser. The collision between the two giants makes it difficult for rivals to enter and expand into the search engine market.
- Integrate more robust parental control software.
Parents allege that Apple’s parental control software isn’t good enough. That’s true because popular apps such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc., are integrated with independent control systems, which makes it a technological nightmare to monitor and track children’s social media activity. Although Apple and Google have both boasted that their parental controls are the best, kids easily find numerous ways to bypass those controls.
Apple Opportunities
- Consistent Customer Growth
Apple has been dominating the technology sector for years now. They provide top-quality and cutting-edge technology that offers a breakthrough in the customer experience.
Their customer retention rate of 92% is phenomenal. Apple can always rely on the power of the internet for future opportunities to gain new customers and form new alliances.
- Qualified professionals
Apple’s researchers, developers, and product specialists are highly qualified professionals with years of experience branding consumer products. With the expansion of their team, Apple can continuously build new opportunities.
- Expansive Distribution Network
Apple Inc. has the opportunity to expand its distribution network. Currently, the distribution network that Apple has needs to be improved and leaves room for minimal growth.
Apple can generate higher revenue and sales by creating an expansive distribution network. Furthermore, the company can benefit from diligent marketing and promotions.
- Lack of Green Technology
Apple has yet to launch products that are created using green technology. The company must still implement or participate in creating eco-friendly and sustainable technology.
- Smart Wearable Technology
Innovative wearable technology will soon dominate the world. According to Forbes, intelligent wearable technology device sales will double by 2022. It will become a $27 billion+ market with 233 million unit sales.
Apple has the opportunity to continue to grow beyond just the Apple Watch and AirPods into other wearable categories.
- Utilize artificial intelligence.
Apple should utilize artificial intelligence to increase its profit margins and have a strong market position. Recently, the company has extended its AI portfolio.
In 2017, Apple acquired Regaind, a French AI startup, and DeskConnect, an AI tool. The former acquisition helps Apple integrate intelligent search into the Photos app on the iPhone. In contrast, the latter addition automates tasks by assisting consumers in arranging apps and features with a string of commands.
The company should focus on extending its AI portfolio to have a strong foothold in the future.
- Expand music streaming services.
The youthful population and rapid economic growth in emerging economies offer immense opportunities for expansion. Apple plans to expand its music streaming services to 52 emerging markets in Africa and the Middle East.
- Deliver self-driving software technology.
The demand for autonomous vehicles is increasing rapidly. Apple has the expertise to deliver self-driving car technology rather than fully functional autonomous or electric cars.
Apple can focus on delivering self-driving software technology instead of building a car like Tesla.
In a Bloomberg interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook said:
“We are focusing on autonomous systems. And clearly, one purpose of autonomous systems is self-driving cars. There are others. And we start to see it as the mother of all AI projects. It’s probably one of the most difficult AI projects.”
- Kia Motors to build Apple’s driverless car
Apple has partnered with Kia Motors (the parent company of Hyundai) to assemble driverless electric cars in Georgia. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kia will begin production by 2024 and produce about 100,000 vehicles in the first year.
- Expanding into Chip Manufacturing
Apple announced it will start manufacturing its chips and semiconductors going forward, competing with Intel, Broadcom, etc. The tech giant is already onboarding engineers for a new South California location.
Apple’s continually expanding silicone team is making next-gen wireless silicone. The company’s chip manufacturing maneuver boosted its market value, propelling it to $3 trillion.
- Dominating smart speakers
Apple is dominating the market for smart speakers. The tech giant’s HomePod mini has been a massive success. According to a report by Strategy Analytics, Apple now has a 10.2% market share after selling 4 million smart speakers.
- Fitness Feature on the Apple Watch
While the Apple Watch’s activity rings are a neat feature that allows you to monitor your exercise routine and frequency, users say that it’s time Apple incorporated a readiness score feature like the Oura and Fitbit.
One of the best benefits of a readiness score is that it helps prioritize when to rest and recover. While Fitbit and Oura have had this feature for a long time, Apple has yet to incorporate a feature like this, and users can only access this feature via third-party apps such as AutoSleep.
- Buy Now, Pay Later Service
Apple introduced a new service called “Apple Pay Later” in the US, enabling customers to buy and pay for products over time. With this new service, users can split their purchases into four payments spanning six weeks without additional charges or interest fees.
Moreover, they can quickly and conveniently repay their loans through Apple Wallet. Users can apply for loans ranging from $50 to $1,000 and use them for in-app and online purchases made through iPad and iPhone devices from merchants who accept payments via Apple Pay.
More than 85% of American retailers currently accept Apple Pay, a figure likely to increase. However, the service is only available to a select group of users, with plans to roll it out more widely.
- Expansion in the Indian Market
Tim Cook (Apple CEO) says he is “very bullish on India.“
Since COVID, Apple has seen substantial revenue growth in India because a record number of people are switching from Android to iOS devices. To further increase its growth and market share in India,
- Apple has established retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi and expanded its online presence.
- Apple is figuring out trade-ins and other financial options to make its product more accessible to Indian consumers.
Apple Threats
- After Effects of the Coronavirus Outbreak
Apple is highly dependent on China for its manufacturing and supply chain. Recent events have significantly affected and disrupted its operations. In addition, about 19% of its $394 billion in revenue came from China (a big market for Apple). The outbreak has significantly affected and may continue to disrupt Apple’s business in the coming years.
- No Effective Countermeasure for Air Tags
While Apple’s AirTags are meant to help people find frequently misplaced items using Bluetooth, the technology is also used maliciously. There have been a lot of instances where criminals have used AirTags to steal cars and, at worst, stalk people.
Apple commented that the Find My iPhone app will notify users if an unknown accessory tracks them. However, there has yet to be a more permanent solution.
- Counterfeits bully Apple.
Apple has become vulnerable to third-world countries illegally utilizing its brand image to sell counterfeit products. The illegal dealers sell Apple counterfeit products at the same value as an original Apple product.
Counterfeit products can make potential customers believe they are low-quality products Apple makes. Big news can result in negative reviews and bad publicity for the company.
- Increasing Competition
Although Apple as a brand has solidified itself, it still faces threats from competitors. With the advancement of technology, brands like Samsung, Google, and Dell are giving Apple tough competition.
As the competition strengthens, Apple has to introduce new technologies or revise its pricing policy to stay ahead of its competitors.
- Market Penetration
There has been a significant change in market penetration by other brands in the smartphone market. Companies like Samsung, HTC, and Lenovo use Android software to create new smartphones.
Android has captured 72.23% of the market share, while Apple has only 24.55% of the market share globally.
- China Tariffs
The US government has imposed a higher tariff on imports from China, increasing the overall cost of the products. Consequently, it adversely affects the gross margin of the products and may make them more expensive for customers.
- Lawsuits
Sixty class-action lawsuits have been filed against Apple. When Apple announced that it deliberately throttled CPU performance on iPhone models with older and degraded batteries, consumers were upset and baffled.
The tech giant said that it did so to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Despite the clarification, consumers felt betrayed because they believed Apple did not believe in transparency. This led to several people filing lawsuits against the company.
The first class-action lawsuit was filed on December 21st, 2017, and alleged that Apple’s actions not only negatively affected the resale value of their products but also forced their users to upgrade to newer versions prematurely.
- Backdoor Mechanism
Apple has been under constant pressure from government agencies to unlock the iPhone via a backdoor, which means opening the encryption of the iPhone and giving access to its data.
In several instances, Apple has denied providing the backdoor mechanism because it can be exploited by the bad guys, which eventually exposes the security of millions of iPhone users.
- Mark Zuckerberg criticizes the monopoly of the iPhone’s App Store.
In a recent webcast, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s CEO, criticized Apple for its monopoly on the App Store and hefty charges.
Mark Zuckerberg states that:
The iPhone App Store “blocks innovation and competition” and “allows Apple to charge monopoly rents.”
Apple charges a 30% cut for in-app purchases through its app store. The company is often criticized because a 30% cut is a significant commission for small businesses or app developers.
- Apple Motions for Case Dismissal
The CCI (Competition Commission of India) recently alleged that Apple is eyeing a monopoly by dominating its app development in the country. The CCI filed the complaint after going through numerous allegations, stating that Apple is compelling developers to use its proprietary system, wiping out existing competitors.
However, Apple responded by stating that the allegations are entirely baseless because they have a relatively minor market share than Google, which dominates the Indian tech market. Apple has moved to have the case dismissed.
- Common USB-C Charger Law in the European Union
The European Union has passed a new law that requires all electronic devices (phones and tablets) to have USB-C chargers by the end of 2024. However, Apple uses its iPhone devices’ lightning chargers (a proprietary technology). The company must comply with the mandate to sell its products in the European Union.
The new law will reduce production and disposal costs as consumers will not have to buy different device chargers.
- General Motors Will Phase Out Apple CarPlay On Upcoming EVs
As part of its plan to completely phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035, General Motors has announced it will no longer include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its future electric cars, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer.
CarPlay and Android Auto allow drivers to access their phone’s features on their car’s dashboard screens, but GM intends to replace them with its Google-based software.
According to Reuters, this new firmware will come with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other popular apps like Spotify and Audible. While CarPlay and Android Auto will be removed from electric vehicles, they will remain available in gas-powered cars.
Final Thoughts
Through this Apple SWOT Analysis report, one can learn the exclusive details of Apple. This SWOT report is ideal for case studies. This report examines Apple’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.