Brief Overview of AppleApple, Inc. was founded by Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniak in 1976 (Mrak-Blumberg, Renery & Bundgaard, 2006). Both had developed an interest in electronics during their high school years and, after graduation, found themselves working for major companies. Jobs worked for Atari, while Wozniak was employed at Hewlett-Packard. Wozniak designed Apple's first computer called the Apple 1, which made its debut in 1976 but, like most new products, was met with skepticism. However, 1977 would prove to be a defining year for the company's success with the launch of the Apple 11 computer, which impressed audiences at a local trade show as the first personal computer to feature color graphics and a plastic casing. Accordingly, according to Reuters (2014), the company was incorporated on January 3, 1977. It designs and manufactures mobile communications devices, portable music devices, and personal computers, as well as sells a variety of third-party software and digital applications. Its products and services include Mac, iPhone, iPod, iPad, iTunes, Apple TV, OS (Reuters, 2014). Factors Affecting Apple's Supply and Demand The supply chain of Apple, Inc. is mainly affected by the following factors; customer income levels, customer preferences, market expectations and price. Perhaps, for starters, it is worth noting that Apple products are particularly expensive and are aimed at high-end users. However, if this target market is likely to find a substitute for Apple products at a more affordable price, Apple will also be forced to lower prices to maintain its demand. An example is Hewlett-Packard's introduction of a cheaper laptop aimed at the same market audience as A...... middle of paper ...... e. Accessed June 12, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/christinemoorman/2012/07/10/why-apple-is-a-great-marketer/Pettinger, T. (2013). Growth of the global tablet market. Economy Help. Accessed June 12, 2014, from http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/9249/business/growth-global-tablet-market/Reuters. (2014). Apple inside. Profile. Reuters. Retrieved June 12, 2014, from http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?symbol=AAPL.OWarman, M. (2013). Apple: We can't keep up with demand. The telegraph. Accessed June 12, 2014, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/9822856/Apple-We-cant-keep-up-with-demand.htmlYarow, J. (2013). The biggest problem Apple faces and almost no one talks about it. Company interior. Accessed June 12, 2014, from http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-biggest-problem-according-to-gruber-2013-3