If you’re wondering how to get an internship at Apple, whether it’s hard to do so, or what an Apple intern does, you’ve come to the right place. A computer science internship with Apple is a great stepping stone for a profitable career in the technology and business world and will provide valuable work experience.
If you are a recent college graduate, a current student, or an established professional looking to find out how to get an internship at Apple, then this article is for you. Continue reading to learn about internship opportunities, salary ranges, and what to do to increase your chances of success. We also include a step-by-step guide on how to intern at Apple.
What Is Apple? A Brief Background
Apple is a globally renowned trillion-dollar company that manufactures electronics and offers technology-based services. Apple was founded in April 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak with the aim to launch microcomputers. Apple I and Apple II were the company’s first released motherboards and microcomputers.
Apple’s technology has dominated the global electronics market. The company has produced various products that delight customers, such as the Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Airpod. It offers online streaming services through Apple TV and Apple music. Apple has offices across 26 countries, including the United States, India, Canada, China, Colombia, and Japan.
Apple Internships: General Overview
Apple internship programs are desirable in today’s technical and corporate job market. Apple offers ample hands-on experience to college students and recent graduates through its Apple Support College Program. Apple internships provide in-demand skills and allow students to work on real projects.
You can opt to apply for a summer internship or one of Apple’s co-op internship programs. There are no high school internship opportunities, and you must be enrolled in college or graduate school to gain access to the programs. Depending on your career goals, you can choose an internship position in marketing, product design, artificial intelligence, software development, or hardware engineering.
What Does an Apple Intern Do?
An Apple intern works with full-time Apple employees and contributes toward critical projects. Landing an internship at Apple is a great career booster that can help you become a full-time employee at Apple or with other sought-after top companies.
Apple internships provide skills for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, machine learning research, technical project management, customer experience, and cryptography.
Apple’s internship programs are based on the notion of bringing in contributors rather than spectators. This means as an intern your duties won’t be limited to administrative or surface-level tasks. You will have a critical role to play within your department. You will also spend a fair amount of time learning lucrative skills and gaining valuable experiences from Apple experts and current employees.
Apple Internship Reviews: What Is the Experience Like?
Based on Apple’s category ratings across key job search platforms, it is evident that interns value Apple’s internship programs. According to Apple intern reviews on Indeed, the company scores an overall rating of four out of five. This high rating is also visible across several individual work experience categories.
Apple interns report a 4.1 rating for its pay and benefits, and for its work culture. The inclusive and inspiring work atmosphere is one of the most prominent pro factors in employee testimonials.
The same internship experience sentiment is echoed in Apple intern reviews on Glassdoor, where the company has a 4.4 rating. However, Apple has also received several negative reviews for its internship program. Some common negative reviews mentioned on Glassdoor include bad communication networks and a busy work environment.
Is It Hard to Get an Internship at Apple?
Yes, it is hard to get an internship job at Apple due to its corporate status and competitive environment. At the time of writing, Apple is offering only 10 student internship positions across its US offices. Software engineering, product development, and marketing internships are among the hardest positions to acquire.
There are no published statistics on the Apple internship acceptance rate. However, it isn’t impossible to land them. Submitting an effective internship cover letter and resume, along with prepping for your interview process, will increase your chances of getting hired.
Apple Intern Salaries: How Much Does an Apple Internship Pay?
Apple internship salaries vary by internship position, job title, and location. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for Apple interns is $65,015. Some of the highest Apple internship salaries are given to MBA, data scientists, and hardware engineer interns who earn $64, $58, and $47 per hour, respectively. Paired with a compensation package, Apple interns may have access to housing, employee discounts, and overtime benefits.
How to Get an Internship at Apple: Internship Opportunities in 2023
The internship opportunities at Apple, especially in the US, are few. To get an internship at Apple, you’ll need to lead with an impressive job application, a learner’s mindset, and a successful interview session.
Below are the top types of Apple internship jobs available, as well as a description of what they entail. Keep in mind that internship positions are updated continuously, so make sure to check their official website to learn what openings are available when you’re ready to apply. Choosing the position that suits your professional skills can help you start your path toward finding your dream job in the tech industry.
Chemistry Intern
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently studying chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or biomedical engineering for a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in data collection, chemistry analyzers, biomedical sensors, pH meters, and experience in data analysis, Python, Matlab, optical phantoms, hydrogels, and laboratory safety procedures
- Length: Not listed, but the position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week
This chemistry internship is an excellent opportunity for chemistry majors with career aspirations of working in the research and development sector related to biochemistry and data analytics. This internship allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of statistical analysis, advanced experimental logistics, and optical phantoms.
You will assist Apple’s sensing technology research and development team in in-field innovation. This internship is apt for undergraduate and graduate students who understand chemistry and data analytics.
Cartography Intern
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or PhD in Cartography, Geography, Spatial Data, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a similar degree
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in spatial analysis, print cartography, GIS software, and cartographic principles, and experience in Illustrator, data curation, and multi zoom map design
- Length: Not listed, but the position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week
A cartography internship at Apple is apt for people looking to land a full-time position in the architecture or geography field. As an intern, you’ll enhance Apple’s map systems and design. You will focus on Apple’s next-generation maps project and collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and human interface designers to develop an optimal map experience.
Product Manager Intern, Decision Intelligence, AMP Commerce
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing an advanced degree in a subject area relevant to the position with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in optimization methods, decision analysis, R and D portfolio optimization, and product management, and experience in the Apple ecosystem, ecommerce industry, and machine learning distinctions
- Length: Not listed, but the position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week
An Apple product design internship can be a great career booster for current graduate students getting a degree in product management or data analytics. This internship requires you to possess intermediate data science, computer science, and product development skills. You will work as an AI/ML intern and conduct decision analysis for optimal product strategy and product development.
During your product design internship at Apple, you will work with several departments, including finance, legal, product marketing, analytics, product management, and engineering. This internship experience will prepare you for a lucrative product and data career across top tech companies.
Apple Legal Internship
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: An ABA-accredited university’s first-year law student
- Skill Requirements: Experience in product law, employment law, intellectual property, and licensing, privacy and law enforcement compliance, litigation, corporate law, or real estate and development, depending on the legal team you are interested in
- Length: 12 weeks
As an aspiring lawyer, an Apple legal internship will help you stand out in the candidacy pool. This internship is best suited for first-year law students looking to build a corporate law or product law career and individuals with integrity. Apple offers this position across several legal departments, including product law, litigation, and employment law.
You will collaborate with Apple paralegals and attorneys in the investigation and litigation process and help the company’s in-house legal staff during the internship period. This position focuses on the legality of the company’s business, procurement, and finance departments. It is a great way to prepare for full-time employment in the legal field.
Software Engineering Internship
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Design, or similar fields
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in object-oriented design, data structures, Python, Unix, Java, or other developer skills, and experience in web frameworks, API design, application development with Objective-C, and client-server protocol
- Length: 12 weeks
If you want to solidify your software development experience, the Apple software engineering internship is a great choice. Your tasks will cover backend development with Siri, web development, and core OS design and development. You will work with popular Apple frameworks, features, and software.
During the program, you’ll work with influential technology leaders on the engineering team to master original thinking so that you can help the company create extraordinary products and amazing technology. If you want to become a software engineer, this is a strong opportunity for you.
Hardware, Hardware Products, Hardware Engineering Internship
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or PhD in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical and computer engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in computer architecture systems, Analog IC, Python, chip design, and experience in SQL, network analyzers, and RF circuit design
- Length: Not listed, but the position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week
The Apple mechanical engineering internship will allow you to work with Apple hardware systems. Your job duties will include systems development, mechanical test design, firmware development, and bug resolution.
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This is an advanced internship position that requires in-depth electrical, systems, and computer engineering skills, as Apple values its quality standards and phenomenal products. You will advance your quality engineering skills as you work with extraordinary people in the field.
Speech Algorithm Research Intern
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Master of Science, or a doctorate in computer engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a relevant field.
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in Python, speech algorithm development, and machine learning with audio processing, and experience in deep learning toolkits and speech recognition systems
- Length: Not listed, but the position requires a commitment of 40 hours per week
For those enrolled in artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, or research graduate programs, this internship will help you land a full-time role in the AI field. You will develop solutions to improve Apple’s audio and speech recognition systems. This internship requires you to collaborate with the software engineering, interactive media, and research and development internal teams.
Machine Learning Research Internship, Siri
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or Electrical Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in Python, machine learning frameworks, deep learning libraries, and experience in speech recognition, natural language processing, and dialog management systems
- Length: Not listed
If you have always wanted to work with Siri, the Apple machine learning internship is for you. It requires you to enhance Siri’s natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine learning capabilities. During your internship, you will work with big data, software integration, artificial intelligence, and large-scale systems.
MBA Internships
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently pursuing an MBA in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or Engineering
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in operations management, knowledge of supply chain operations and strategic sourcing, and experience with problem-solving and analytical skills
- Length: Not listed
If you want to land a job in program management at a top tech company, the Apple MBA internship is a great opportunity. You will work in the procurement and operations department from the mass production stage to the product launch stage. Some of your duties will include project management, supply-demand management/execution, and strategic sourcing.
Business, Marketing, and G&A Internships
- Location: Santa Clara Valley, CA
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in business, engineering, economics, marketing, or engineering departments. Candidates are also required to graduate in December 2022 or later.
- Skill Requirements: Proficiency in finance, marketing, business, and experience in customer experiences and tech and non-tech project management
- Length: 12 weeks
Apple offers a variety of business marketing and G&A internships, and this is the perfect opportunity for students looking to enhance their understanding of business, marketing, and innovative technologies subject areas. This internship opportunity is offered under several departments, including legal, business, university relations, and marketing. You can apply for a position relevant to your career goals.
How to Apply for an Apple Internship: A Step-by-Step Guide
The steps required to apply for an Apple internship are pretty straightforward and similar to most online job applications. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for an Apple internship position. You can also customize your search to meet your personal preferences.
Step 1: Search for Available Internship Opportunities
The first step is to explore the various available opportunities. Several avenues advertise the open internships, including the Apple internship website and popular job search websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Be sure to set the United States or your home office on your location search option to find a position that meets your location preferences.
Step 2: Apply for the Position
The next step is to apply for the position. Get in touch with your college advisers or professors for a recommendation letter and boost your candidacy chances. If your dream internship position isn’t open, you can send your resume and portfolio to an Apple recruiter through the company’s Get Discovered feature.
To stand out in the candidate pool among the dozens of internship applications, make sure to demonstrate a love for technology and innovation when you fill up your Apple internship application form. You can also include a link to your online portfolio highlighting the in-demand skills relevant knowledge for the position.
Step 3: Ace the Interview
If your initial application impresses the hiring manager, you will be invited for an interview. You will have a preliminary phone interview with an Apple recruiter. If successful, you will participate in the next interview round. This round will be conducted by your team manager and will cover technical questions to determine whether you are a fit candidate for the position.
The Apple internship interview process is your time to showcase that you are a candidate who wants to join the tech firm to learn and contribute to the company’s growth. If you pass the second interview round, you might be subjected to Apple’s E-Verify program depending on your location. Once you clear the verification program, you will become an official intern at Apple.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting an Apple Internship
As Apple only hires quality individuals with impressive skills and a passion for innovation, these positions can be difficult to land. Below are three tips you can use to improve your chances of getting an Apple internship.
Attend a Coding Bootcamp
Coding bootcamps have risen in popularity across top tech companies. By attending a top coding bootcamp you will get an all-rounded education and the career prep you need to excel during the hiring process. Bootcamps provide you with in-demand skills and offer extensive career advice to help you land your dream tech job.
Ask Your College Advisor or Professor for a Recommendation Letter
Along with submitting an impressive application, a great way to increase your internship chances is to have the support of a reputable faculty. So, be sure to add a recommendation letter that highlights your skills apt for the position and the company.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The last and most important tip is to practice for your interview rounds so you are ready for any questions they may throw at you. Excelling in your interview session will significantly increase your chances of getting hired. So, contact your university’s career services department and look up mock interview questions to ace your interview.
Should I Accept an Internship at Apple?
Yes, you should accept an internship at Apple if you want to increase your chances of pursuing lucrative tech and non-tech-based jobs while getting an excellent compensation package. Getting an internship at Apple allows you to actively participate in innovative projects and learn from the best industry experts. This can be an incredible opportunity to further your career.
Apple Internships FAQ
Yes, there is an Apple summer internship program that requires you to commit forty hours per week. Summer internships are a great opportunity to earn experience and money during your off time from college.
How much do Apple interns make?
According to Glassdoor, Apple interns make an average salary of $65,015 per year. This can vary depending on your level of experience, location, and the specific internship program that you choose.
What types of internships does Apple offer?
Apple offers various types of internships in several tech and non-tech areas, including software engineering, product design, machine learning, chemistry, business, and marketing. These roles open up a variety of job opportunities.
Is it hard to get an internship at Apple?
Yes, it is hard to get an internship at Apple due to its reputation and high level of competition. Millions of people use Apple products, and they are one of the biggest tech giants in the world. If you want to stand out, make sure to submit a stellar application and prepare thoroughly for your interview.
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