Influences of Innovation at Apple Inc Case Study

Influences of Innovation at Apple Inc - Case Study Example The present case study dwells on the innovative features of the business at Apple Inc. The discussion commences from its very beginning and ends with the contemporary strategies and business of the firm. Apple Inc., (Apple) is a US - based multinational corporation that focuses on design and manufacture of consumer electronics and closely related software products. The company was established in Cupertino, California on April 1, 1976, engaged in designing, developing, selling and supporting a wide range of personal computers, portable media players, mobile phones, computer software, computer hardware and hardware accessories. Till 2007, the firm opened around 200 retail stores across five countries and one online store through which hardware and software products are being sold (Retail Stores). In the year 2008, the firm was awarded the best corporate performer organized by the famous business magazine, Business Week. (Best Performer Award 2008). Apple started its innovation journey with its first Apple computer in the year 1976. After that the company introduced the Apple II microcomputer on April 16, 1977 and it was different from its major rivals, the TRS-80 and Commodore PET, mainly because of its color graphics and an open architecture. In 1983, the company introduced the Lisa, the first commercial personal computer to employ a Graphical User Interface (GUI). In the early 2000s, Apple expanded its focus on software and included professional and consumer video, music, and photo production solutions with a view to promote its products as a "digital hub". Apple developed its own operating system to run on its hardware such as Macs, Mac OS X and Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard. Apple also independently developed computer software titles for its Mac OS X operating system. Apple also offered a range of professional software titles. On May 19, 2001, Apple launched its first official Apple retail stores (Appendix I) in Virginia and California and continued to set up more stores in the US and other countries. Apple retail stores are a chain of stores owned and operated solely by Apple Inc., dealing in computers and consumer electronics. On October 23, 2001, Apple introduced the iPod digital music player equipped with a 5 GB hard drive and a monochrome screen. The current models can store up to 160 GB and display video, play games, and support a wide range of third-party add-on devices. Apple added new models of iPod(R) touch, after the success of the iPod touch (Appendix II) launched in 2007. Another innovative milestone in the launch of Apple products was the Apple iPhone. It was introduced by the company in late June 2007 at the top price of $599 with 8GB and a less price of $499 with 4GB. iPhone (Appendix III) was one of the most anticipated electronic devices of the decade (Apple Inc History). AppleCare is a customer service program designed by the company to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. In addition, there are numerous online resources within the AppleCare Support website that provide valuable information and instructions. Apple's self-servicing account program is designed for institutions and businesses - for