Apple is a technology company majorly dealing in the design, manufacture and marketing of smartphones, tablets and personal computers. The global smartphone market has become highly fragmented into high-end and low-end players. Apple being a high-end market player faces competition primarily from Samsung. In 2018, Apples share of the global smartphone industry had fallen to third, behind Huawei and leader Samsung. It is the first time Apple is not in the top 2 global smartphone firms in the world since 2011. Apple has also lost market share in China, falling from top spot to 4th as it battles low cost Chinese rivals.
Using a pestle analysis for Apple, this report examines how various external factors have impacted the growth potential and performance of Apple. The analysis includes the effect of US tax cuts, and how escalating US-China trade tensions are likely to affect its future revenues and performance.
In addition, the report looks at how developments in technology and demographics can favor further growth of Apple. Using Swot and BCG Matrix analysis, the report identifies Apple’s major strengths and weaknesses and strategies the Cupertino based tech giant can use to exploit emerging opportunities such as demand for smaller wearable devices, while mitigating threats and minimizing weaknesses.
Using Porters five forces, the report examines how Porters five forces of competition have shaped the global smartphone industry, leading to the commoditization of smartphones at the low end of the market and the counter strategies Apple has devised in the battle against this increased commoditization and powerful low cost rivals.