Case Study 3
Case Study 3
A product manager at Apple examines the past, present, and future of the PC industry in
September 2011 in the wake of Steve Jobs's resignation and HP's announcement that it was
exiting the PC industry in favor of enterprise software solutions and consulting. The
protagonist thinks through current forces in the PC industry, including market share trends,
mobile computing, ultrabooks, and cloud computing services-as well as the position of the
Mac in Apple's product portfolio-and is faced with making a decision about the future of the
Mac.
Event timeline:
- 1975: The introduction of the Altair 8800
- 1981: The release of the IBM PC
- 1985: Steve Jobs was asked to step down as CEO
- 1997: Steve Jobs back to CEO
- 2001: Apple introduced iPod
- 2007: iPhone
- 2010: iPad
- 2011: Steve Jobs resigned
SWOT: Tú Trang
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
- Apple has been a pioneer in the PC - Apple products have high prices and
industry, always innovating and cannot reach customers with limited
prioritizing aesthetics in its products budgets, so the niche market share in
(mouse, windows, Firewire the PC market is always below 5%
connectivity, Thunderbolt) of devices sold.
- Apple prioritizes building - Apple still depends on this important
easy-to-use, user-friendly products component supplier despite
across hardware and software. switching to Intel processors.
Besides, Apple also focuses on a - Apple focuses on its operating
differentiated product, providing a system and software creating a
vertically integrated system with its closed ecosystem, not all software
operating system and software. applications are compatible with
- High-quality products have helped Mac OS.
Apple build a loyal customer base - Apple's dependence on sole leader
willing to pay a premium. Steve Jobs: Apple had difficulty
- Retail stores offer unique, distinctive finding its footing and was in danger
customer experiences that contribute of collapsing 12 years after Steve
significantly to Apple's revenue Jobs resigned in 1985.
(which has increased steadily over
the decade).
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
- The mobile computing device - The decline of PC giants like HP
market is proliferating, Apple is in a leaving the market raises questions
favorable position to take advantage about the future of PC usage.
of the trend: integration with iPhone - Despite its strengths, Macs still hold
and iPad mobile devices. a small share of the overall PC
- Cloud computing can bring new market compared to Wintel-based
opportunities for Apple to provide machines.
software and services, and Apple - Consumer trends toward tablets and
can continue to differentiate itself ultrabooks could affect traditional
with a superior user experience. PCs in general and Macs in
- Ultrabooks have become an particular
attractive option for consumers who - Google's cloud-based approach and
want the functionality of a full open standards (Chrome OS and
keyboard, but the portability of Android OS) could appeal to
tablets has allowed Apple to increase consumers, significantly threatening
its market share (Macbook Air). Apple.
Component Suppliers: While Apple relies on key components from suppliers (e.g.,
Intel for processors, and other specialized components), its large volume of orders
provides it with negotiating leverage.
Supplier Concentration: Apple sources components from multiple suppliers, reducing
dependency on any single supplier.
The unique features, design, and ecosystem integration of Apple goods, their devoted
client base is less sensitive to pricing.
Product Differentiation: Apple differentiates its products through design,
functionality, and ecosystem integration, which reduces price sensitivity among loyal
customers.
Switching Costs: While switching to another brand can be easy for some users, the
integrated ecosystem (macOS, iOS, iCloud, etc.) creates some level of switching cost.
4. Threat of Substitute
High
The rise of tablets, smartphones, and other mobile computing devices, including many
produced by Apple, poses significant substitution threats to traditional PCs and
laptops.
Alternative Devices: With the rise of tablets, smartphones, and other mobile
computing devices (many of which are also produced by Apple), traditional PCs and
laptops face significant substitution threats.
Technological Advancements: Continuous improvements in mobile technology make
these devices more capable substitutes for traditional PCs in many use cases.
5. Industry Rivalry
High
Key Competitors: Major competitors in the PC market include Dell, Lenovo, and
Microsoft, all vying for market share in a mature industry.
Price Competition: While Apple maintains premium pricing, other competitors often
engage in price wars, which can pressure Apple's market share and profitability.
Innovation and Differentiation: Apple competes through constant innovation and by
maintaining a differentiated product offering that commands a premium price.
https://panmore.com/apple-inc-five-forces-analysis-porters-model-case-study
https://research-methodology.net/apple-porters-five-forces-analysis-3/
Economic factors:
Many of the external factors in Apple’s remote or macro-environment create
economic opportunities. This aspect of the PESTLE analysis model indicates market
and industry conditions that impact firms. In this external analysis case of Apple Inc.,
the following economic factors are the most significant:
1. Stable economies of developed countries (opportunity)
2. Rapid growth of developing countries (opportunity)
3. Unstable disposable incomes among target customers (threat)
Social factors:
Apple’s business is subject to the effects of social or sociocultural trends. This aspect
of the PESTLE/PESTEL analysis model points to the social factors that influence
customer behaviors and expectations. In Apple’s case, the following sociocultural
trends are significant in the remote or macro-environment:
Technological factors:
The external factors in Apple’s remote or macro-environment provide technological
opportunities for the enterprise. In this aspect of the PESTLE analysis framework,
current technologies and technological trends are evaluated based on their effect on
businesses. In Apple’s external analysis case, the following technological factors are
the most significant:
Environment factors:
The ecological factors in Apple’s remote or macro-environment provide opportunities
for business improvement. This aspect of the PESTLE/PESTEL analysis model
highlights ecological trends and their impacts on business. In Apple’s case, the
following ecological factors are important:
Legal factors:
The external factors in Apple’s remote or macro-environment create legal and
regulatory threats to the business. This aspect of the PESTLE analysis framework
indicates the impact of laws or regulations on businesses. In Apple’s case, the
following are significant legal factors:
https://panmore.com/apple-inc-pestel-pestle-analysis-recommendations
Vertical Integration
- Proprietary Systems: Apple develops its own operating systems and software, ensuring
seamless integration and high-quality user experience.
- Consistent Strategy: Despite lower market share compared to Wintel-based machines,
Apple's vertical integration has allowed it to maintain a distinct market position.
Customer:
- Apple has a dedicated following for its Mac computers, with certain industries like
advertising, video production, arts, and education relying heavily on Macs.
- The iPhone and iPad have allowed Apple to advance and refine the form and function of
personal computing, transforming the PC into more of a "fashion accessory."
Process:
- Apple has been a pioneer in the personal computer industry for over 30 years and has been
at the forefront of high-quality computers for work and home.
- The release of the iPad has had a significant impact on mobile computing, winning over
laptop users, business users, and those looking for a more compact device.
Conclusion
Apple's Mac line faces competition and needs to adapt for the future. New tech,
user-friendly features, and a focus on how Macs work with iPhones and iPads are all
crucial. Cloud storage with iCloud needs to be competitive, and Apple must decide if
Macs are for high-end users or a wider market. By innovating and making Macs work
seamlessly with other Apple devices, Apple can ensure the Mac's future success
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