Roughly 12 hours over 6 weeks of interviews between 15 people, some in pairs, most individual, almost all technical-focused with a big emphasis on work ethic, personality and communication skills. Single round interviews until final 2 days, then 5 round technical, followed up by 3 rounds with senior management.

Apple is careful about selecting the right people. The typical interview process involves many interviews with various levels to ensure you are the right fit. I interviewed with the recruiter twice, 3 potential peers, and two separate managers. Having a great knowledge of the Apple history is helpful. Understand how Apple differentiates itself from its competitors is a key. They do not do everything, but pride themselves on what they do.

I got a cold call from a recruiter with Apple. I did a 1:1 with the hiring manager was was invited the following week to interview in Cupertino. I had 4 interviews including one with the hiring manager whom I met on the telephone call. That was about the only interview which went well. I found his staff and I did not click at all, with the 3rd interviewer forgetting about me, and I sat in a meeting room alone for an hour wondering what was going on. He came in after being an hour late and had no idea what I was applying for, who I was, and had no questions for me. He asks me "what is the difference between a segmentation fault and a page fault". I almost missed my plane home.