Apples SWOT

APPLE SWOT ANALYSIS | Internal Strengths | Internal Weaknesses | Tows Matrix ForApple Inc. | * Strong brand image provides an edge over competitors * Robust financial performance strengthens investors' confidence and provides capital for future growth avenues * Focused R&D driving innovation and consolidating its market position | * Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results * Product recalls may harm Apple's reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses | External Opportunities | Strengths Opportunities | Weaknesses Opportunities | * Strong growth in Smartphone and tablet markets to boost Apple's revenues * Robust outlook for mobile advertising market provides growth opportunity | (S) Strong brand image provides an edge over competitors(S) Robust financial performance strengthens investors' confidence and provides capital for future growth avenues(O) Strong growth in Smartphone and tablet markets to boost Apple's revenues(S) Focused R&D driving innovation and consolidating its market position(O) Robust outlook for mobile advertising market provides growth opportunity | (W) Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results(O) Robust outlook for mobile advertising market provides growth opportunity(W) Product recalls may harm Apple's reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses(O) Strong growth in Smartphone and tablet markets to boost Apple's revenues | External Threats | Strengths Threats | Weaknesses Threats | * Rising popularity of Google Android may affect its market share * Frequent absence of Steve Jobs to impact high growth sustenance levels * Intense competition may affect revenues and profitability * Dependence on specific suppliers may affect its operations | (S) Strong brand image provides an edge over competitors(T) Rising popularity of Google Android may affect its market share(S) Robust financial performance strengthens investors' confidence and provides capital for future growth avenues(T) Intense competition may affect revenues and profitability(S) Focused R&D driving innovation and consolidating its market position(T) Frequent absence of Steve Jobs to impact high growth sustenance levels(T) Dependence on specific suppliers may affect its operations | (W) Patent infringement lawsuit may affect financial condition and operating results(T) Rising popularity of Google Android may affect its market share(W) Product recalls may harm Apple's reputation and add significant warranty and other expenses(T) Frequent absence of Steve Jobs to impact high growth sustenance levelsIntense competition may affect revenues and profitability(T) Dependence on specific suppliers may affect its operations |

No one can debate that Apple has a many strengths. However, in order to maintain its competitive advantage, the company must constantly scan the internal and external environments to review and address its weaknesses and threats, as well as assess its strengths and leverage those appropriately.
One of Apple’s current strengths is its brand recognition and strong brand image. Apple has effectively leveraged this strength through product development. As Apple took the market by storm and was gaining momentum in the minds and hearts of the consumer market, it expanded its product offering. With each new product-the iPhone, the iPad, consumers expected the same quality and ease of use as Apple’s preceding products as they had already established that position in the consumer mind. Consumers also attributed a type of superior”status” to Apple’s products, which spurred the sales of products.
Apple also has an enviable position in the minds of the financial world. Apple’s robust financial performance is astrength as the growth in capital allows for continued growth.
While reviewing the strengths, one must also consider the weakness. For example, Apple’s