In from the cold : How Apple has blossomed

Purpose – the paper aims to reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Conventional wisdom has it that we are never too old to learn; and the paper finds that Apple certainly appears to have paid homage to that particular sentiment. Just a decade after almost folding, the consumer‐electronics provider is worth over $100 billion and now rubs shoulders with the USA's most prestigious organizations. There is no doubting Apple's record as an innovator. Take, for instance, how its Macintosh computer introduced the combination of visual interface and desktop mouse. This alternative to using awkward text commands ensured that computer accessibility was no longer limited to those more technically minded. But coming up with ideas is one thing, exploiting them is another issue altogether. Apple has learned the hard way. Co‐founder Steve Jobs steadfastly adhered to idealist values in everything ranging from design and technology to marketing. Loyalty to principles invariably comes at a price and here it was growing isolation for the company. Practical implications – the paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.