specialist

genius

technical specialist

home solutions advisor

manager

Apple

You get to work with great like minded and energetic people and the technology is amazing, however their is a big culture of favouritism with managers and co-workers. When a new role or position opens up they will hold “interviews” but the managers will already have their favourites picked to fill the roles. 
Hours and rostering is all over the place, if you want more hours or wish to swap a shift you have to talk with a fellow co-worker to if they are willing to sacrifice their hours. They have a lot of part time staff working a average of 4-5 hours for a average shift and very few full time staff on the store floor.  And for the hours you work a fortnight you get very little in terms of pay, for example a Coles Employee earns more in their weekly pay cycle per hour than a Apple Retail Employee in their Fortnightly roster per hour. Best way of describing a part time Apple Store member is a overworked casual for half the pay. 
Management in Apple Retail needs to be worked on or reworked completely, when a manager is needed for support in a difficult situation/ escalation they are either in the office or hiding somewhere else. For a Technician if you find nothing wrong with a customer’s device that has no issues with hardware or software the manager will override your decision and replace that device, this leaves the technician questioning their training and their ability to do their job effectively. And in terms of  time off, managers always seem to get time away for a trip overseas or a weekend away and upon returning to work they brag about it in front of  staff. 
The pros of working at a Apple Retail Store: 
1. The people, so many amazingly talented/ switches on individuals who make the work day exciting and enjoyable.
2. New Product launches are so full of energy and excitement. 
3. Training is amazing and gets you skilled up incredibly quick.
4. Discounts and Benafits are decent, but we have to wait for them most of the time.

Overall: Great as a job for a few months but in the long run there is no real career progression once you hit manager level. No jump from retail to corporate.
Lack of Work/Life Balance and you are burnt out nearly all the time.

When I first started my career at Apple years ago I loved the energy, drive, fun and opportunities Apple offered, although sadly I cannot say the same today. As business started to change over the years the main focus of Apple has become quite dry with many employees losing motivation. Instead of a fun and super encouraging environment Apple has switched its passion into figures and percentages with little recognition to those who meet targets and little focus anymore with creating a happy motivated team that feels appreciated for the work they do. 

When I wanted to develop myself and evolve further within the company I was continuously rejected and was never even given the opportunity to finish an entire internal interview process. As I understand rejection is a part of growth its sad that Apple are not able to give opportunities to those who work for them over the years. Many employees are witnessing new comers enter into roles so easily with little expertise and experience as the internal interview process has become strictly formal, so when you answer a question exactly how management want to hear it you suddenly become more evolved then anyone else that’s been in the company for years. Apple were once accomodating to everyone learning styles and focusing on strengths but it appears now to grow we are all judged through a linear interview process that doesn’t build on strengths but more so makes us leave the interview process feeling devalued. 

At the start of my career at Apple I felt supported and felt my evolution at Apple meant a lot to management. I now feel that my expertise and experience, goal reaching, customer pleasing burn out has meant nothing or seen as any value when my daily work reflects other. Very unhappy and disheartened that a company that promotes equality and fairness can look past the talent of those that have earnt it. I know I am not alone with this one. 

After working for the company for nearly 10 years you would think it would mean something to your management team - it doesn’t. 
They hide behind cleaver wording, “rewards” and cult like credo. As soon as you start to ask questions you’ll be socially cast out. Only those that drink the cool aid are rewarded. They’ll dangle job opportunities in front of you to get you to push extra services and get better results only to offer it to someone else. 
The customers are rude and entitled and Apple lets them behave that way. They sell you this beautiful dream of working for this amazing company but all you will get is lies. 

Don’t bother applying if you don’t fit the social norms for how a person should look. The fatphobia in that place is insane, you’ll never just be going to work and doing your job they’re always having some kind of “health” competition rewarding you for weight loss, working out or meal planning with blankets and water bottles. 
Don’t expect to have accomodations made of you are or become disabled or chronically ill. I became disabled towards the end of my time with Apple, I had expected they would allow me to do light duties or to switch my position to one that wouldn’t cause me to be in constant pain and they didn’t. I had to go to HR and get a third party involved and it still wasn’t good enough. 

Work life balance? Apples never heard of it. As a full time employee you are expected to be available 7 days a week 24 hours a day. You will be rostered 5-6 day shifts frequently, late nights and weekends. It’s almost impossible to get time off even if you apply months in advance. 

There are tons of reviews on multiple other job sites. Save yourself the stress and mental health issues - don’t work for Apple. 

I held various roles across Apple AsiaPacific and Apple Americas. Multiple times lead to a role that wasn’t official or asked to do a job with many promises that never came to be. Moved myself for opportunities and spent a lot of money on promises and and assurance.

Was happy at first, the people were great, the honeymoon wears off and it becomes an ‘if you don’t want this job, thousands of people would take your place tomorrow’.

Ultimately left wondering if I would have had a better foundation career elsewhere.

If you get a promise, get it in writing. So you’re not left waiting for a plane ticket to be bought for you, having sold all your belongings and waiting with family, for a job that was never official. Because ‘plans can change’ leaving you hanging, then  blamed for making such big changes on the multiple interviews, promises and only internal emails confirming next steps from management to say it would happen...

You may get left blackballed after 12 years loyal service with only being told ‘if considering taking it further, Apple has a huge legal team’. Soon as that happens, you may find yourself resigning because you left your current role that was now filled while you waited, on your own Annual Leave, having to find a new home, buy all everything you need and not one apology or option for a role. Just being bounce between departments that don’t want to pay for someone they don’t have a role for.

Being treated like that after 12 years... leaves a sting it takes a while to get past and see Apple as a fair and fruitful place to work. 

I may be the unfortunate exception to a mistake and poorly handled situation... but... that was my ‘life at Apple’.

Working at Apple has been an exhilarating and transformative experience. From day one, it's evident that this tech giant is more than just a company; it's a culture, a lifestyle, and a commitment to excellence. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of working at Apple is the opportunity for personal and professional growth. The company encourages employees to think differently, take risks, and innovate constantly. This culture of innovation permeates every corner of the organization, from product development to customer service. It's truly inspiring to be part of a team that's shaping the future of technology.

Apple's commitment to diversity and inclusion is commendable. The company's efforts to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and heard are evident in its hiring practices, employee resource groups, and ongoing training programs.

The benefits and perks at Apple are second to none. Competitive salaries, stock options, health benefits, and a fantastic work-life balance contribute to a positive employee experience. Plus, the opportunity to work on groundbreaking products that impact the world is a privilege that few other companies can offer.

However, it's essential to note that Apple's high standards and fast-paced environment can be demanding. Deadlines can be tight, and expectations are high. But for those who thrive under pressure and are passionate about technology, it's a thrilling place to be.

In conclusion, working at Apple is a unique and rewarding experience. It's a place where innovation, creativity, and ambition come together, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this extraordinary company.

Was an At Home Advisor for over 2 years. 

Interview process was a bit long - had to follow up with the head office to get the job.

You first start off as an iOS T1 advisor - Supporting iPad, iPhone, apple watch etc.. anything with iOS. If you reach good stats and get good surveys you'' be upskilled to T2 iOS which is an extra 10k per year or get upskilled to Mac OS with no pay rise.

One problem with Apple is you have to be with them for 5+ years to start earning some decent coin and 5 years is a long time when you sit at home in front of an iMac 38 hours every week.

Customers aren't as abusive as you'd think as most of the time when you get a call it's usually the customer's fault and they just want you to help them fix it.. You'll get the occasional privileged individual who thinks you owe them. One good thing is that if a customer starts attacking you ie; name calling, putting you down etc you can simply give them one warning & if they continue you can hang up the phone - Apple is really good for things like that. 

Pay is pretty good for sitting on your butt in the comfort of your home. 

6 weeks of intense head drumming training and a 60 question exam at the end of the training - you have to get 90% completion and if you fail it twice you will not proceed with the role so make sure to pay attention in the virtual classroom and ask the trainer if you don't understand. They will provide you with an iMac and an iPod for work.

One of the better companies I've worked for anyway, go for it.

Apple  Retail has great values that ensure the customer has the best experience, but it can sometime neglect the development and the needs of a staff member.
While advancement is tough due to fierce competition, there is very little direction given from management as to 'where' you can go in Apple, let alone 'how' to get there.
A typical day involves creating memorable experiences for customers through service repairs or solutions.
I have learnt to be humble and empathetic with customers, align with how and why they have come to the apple store, and provide a solution to re-establish their faith in the product and the brand.
The people i work with are some of the most talented people who share the same values as i do, who enjoy coming to work, but at time are frustrated due to lack of work/life balance and career progression.
The hardest part of the job, would be rostering. The weekly roster for every team member is inconsistent making it hard to plan for life commitments such as church or family time.
The technical aspect of the job can be learnt, but the positive attitude that one has, is more crucial as it cannot be taught.
The most enjoyable part is working with fun and quirky people.

Cliquey, fake, minimal training, very poor salary.
I describe it as a brainwashing cult.
8 managers all with different styles so you never know where you stand.
Inconsistent rosters where they change the start times daily. New staff work every weekend so say goodbye to your home and social life. 
A lot of backstabbing and in-fighting.
Many tears witnessed.
Suitable only for hipster Mac-nerds, or young people new to the workforce.
Pay is abysmal.

They’ll make you feel like you’re special for being “chosen” but they run non-stop recruiting.
In my first 8 weeks there, 8 people resigned and are forgotten the minute they walk out the door.
How some staff keep the faith is curious.

They’ll want to change your language but encourage you to “be yourself”.
They’ll tell you to make the customer have an amazing interaction, but ask for help or take too long and you’ll be hauled aside for “constructive negative feedback”.

Comparing Apple Asia-Pacific to the real Apple, is like comparing Dreamworld to Disneyland.

Avoid at all costs!

Apple tends to talk about how they’re super inclusive and how they value individuals, but it’s a farce. Their profits are what counts. Though they’re a literal trillion dollar company, they barely paid above minimum wage. Though they have a whole team of schedulers for every store, they refused to give anyone two consecutive days off or give anyone the same schedule from week to week. The very first month I was there, they refused to give me time off for a funeral because it was my fiancé’s grandma, so she wasn’t MY family. They fired me for needing to take time away because my grandfather has dementia, but they did it over the phone and claimed I resigned so I didn’t get severance. Most of the parents I knew who worked with me never got to have dinners with their kids and their schedules around childcare were completely disregarded. Maybe it was just the store I worked for, but I was treated like another cog in the machine and my value as an individual was next to nothing.

Working as an Apple Specialist for two years—my first job out of college—was a solid introduction to retail and customer-facing work. The training was genuinely impressive; Apple invests a lot in making sure you understand the products and feel confident helping people. My team was supportive, and the store culture emphasized collaboration rather than cutthroat sales goals, which kept the environment pretty positive.

That said, it is retail. Peak seasons were extremely hectic, scheduling could be inconsistent, and dealing with frustrated customers was a regular part of the job. Advancement felt a bit slow unless you were very vocal about your goals. Pay was decent for retail but not amazing, especially given the cost of living in my area.

Overall, I’d recommend it if you’re early in your career and want to build strong communication and customer-service skills while working in a well-structured environment. Just go in knowing that despite the brand prestige, it’s still retail at its core.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Specialist 16 salaries reported	$29.88 per hour
Genius 12 salaries reported	$71,500 per year
Technical specialist 10 salaries reported	$75,000 per year
Home solutions advisor 24 salaries reported	$52,766 per year
Manager 7 salaries reported	$112,143 per year

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