Steven Huffstetler
The Apple of Your I
3/3/16
Apple Inc.
This case study breaks down Apple’s stock history, as well as the
decisions and adjustments that they have made over the years to become
one of the most successful companies in the history of technology. Apple
began in the early 1980’s by beginning to created home computers,
developing the Apple PC for users at home and the Macintosh for students
and workers. Throughout the history, the company, just like any other had
its ups and downs. Its first couple down years began in 1985, when they
forced out Steve Jobs, then began hiring a string of unsuccessful CEO’s to
follow him. This case describes in detail the ups and downs suffered by
Apple in relation to when Steve Jobs was employed and when he was not.
Out of Porter’s four competitive strategies, I personally believe
Apple engages mainly in the focused differentiation strategy. Around
2011, Apple’s PC market share was around 12 %, which was significantly
down from around the 20% mark it had been had during the mid-late
1980’s. To flip the script and help their company rebound, Apple thought
outside of the PC world we all knew, and began developing an IPhone,
Ipad, and IPod. These innovations were so different than anything we had
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