I applied through an employee referral. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Apple (Cupertino, CA) in Apr 2012
Interview
I happened to be interviewing with Google and Yelp at the exact same time, so while I won't directly reference the other two companies this is relevant info for understanding what stood out about the Apple interview process.
First, the hiring manager was surprisingly forthcoming about how the process was moving and how I was doing compared to other candidates. This was incredibly welcoming though it probably had to do with the fact that they were in a rush to hire.
Second, the process was shockingly unorganized. Interview rooms weren't booked, people didn't know when and where they were supposed to be meeting me, other groups kept trying to access the interview rooms and there was no one on-site who was obviously coordinating the process.
Third, Apple wants you to meet with as many people as possible. I met with almost 20 different people during the course of the interview process. You definitely got the vibe that culture fit is highly valued.
Fourth, every single interviewer asked me "Why Apple?" With a 100% ask rate, I am guessing this is the rule.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Apple in Apr 2011
Interview
I had applied through their website for several positions that I thought I would be a good fit. After several weeks (6+) I received an e-mail from someone at Apple. After several more weeks I had a simple HR phone screen followed by another phone interview. This was followed by an on-site interview. The on site interview consisted of more than ten 1 on 1 discussions with various individuals. All interviewers focussed on past experience - no problem solving ability was tested. Overall, I thought they did a good job of evaluating me.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
Describe a project where you had to develop a business case for approval by senior management?