Apple Inc. is established in the United States and deals with electronics, software and online services. Founded in 1976, Apple’s products to this date are cherished by consumers throughout the world. One thing that has remained consistent in Apple’s history is their constant development in terms of technology and adapting with the needs of the world. According to Forbes (2017), Apple secures number one position in terms of Most Valued Brand in the World. What is it that makes Apple number one, despite so many competitors constantly entering the technology world?

One of the reasons is its brand strength. The kind of name that Apple has established over the years is achieved by one in a million. Today, users trust the brand so much that they would buy anything that is sold with the Apple logo. Moreover, all the products developed by Apple are designed around the same software which makes it user-friendly for Apple users. Thus, Apple products become a natural choice for users looking for an upgraded product.

Secondly, the brand has always delivered innovation. Since the introduction of their first product to the products that are introduced this year, Apple has always worked on innovation. They have always succeeded in providing innovation that no other product has been able to deliver. This advantage helps Apple to always stay ahead of its competitors and gain an increasing number of market share each year.
Thirdly, they have always worked on the development of their supply chain and have a very strong system of suppliers and developers. The company manufactures everything on their own plant, from a product’s chip to its final body. The software developers are also in-house which helps them upgrade their software each year and provide more convenience to their users every year.  So this completely developed and controlled supply chain gives them a huge advantage as compared to their competitors and facilitates them in providing unique products to their consumers.

Another important aspect that sets Apple apart from its competitors is the availability of their products on their own retail stores. These retail stores serve the purpose of Apple being exclusive and keep their price, which is the premium price, constant throughout the world. Now, the location of these retail stores plays a very important role in terms of supporting Apple’s strategy. This also gives them the opportunity to give their customers the exclusive retail experience that they aim to provide to their consumers.

All these aspects actually set them apart from their competition and have helped them grow each year, in terms of market share and in terms of customers. Over the period of so many decades, no other brand has been able to reach the number one position that Apple holds in the market for many years now.

References

Apple on the Forbes Just Companies List. Retrieved December 18, 2017, from https://www.forbes.com/companies/apple/
SupplyChainOpz, S. C. Is Apple’s Supply Chain Really the No. 1? A Case Study. Retrieved December 18, 2017, from http://www.supplychain247.com/article/is_apples_supply_chain_really_the_no._1_a_case_study
Why Apple Has a Strong Competitive Advantage. Retrieved December 18, 2017, from https://techpinions.com/apples-competitive-advantage/5