It is no secret that getting an Apple internship is a big freaking deal. If you manage to land one, you’re basically securing a golden ticket to one of the most prestigious, innovative, and coolest tech companies in the world. This isn’t just about adding an impressive name to your resume (although that definitely helps). An internship at Apple means working on actual projects that could shape future iPhones, MacBooks, AI, and even Apple’s marketing strategies. What makes this even better? The company doesn’t just offer internships for tech nerds.
Yeah, they have tons of opportunities in software and hardware engineering, but they also hire interns in marketing, business, finance, legal, UI/UX design, and data science. Whether you’re obsessed with coding, designing sleek interfaces, or running ad campaigns, there’s a spot for you. Moving on, Apple internships aren’t just in the USA (though Cupertino, California, is the dream spot). They also have internships in New York, Austin, London, Germany, India, and other global locations. If you’re lucky enough to get in, you’re not just interning but becoming part of a company that literally defines the future of tech.
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Apple Internships | Summer Program for High School Students
Apple Company Overview (Facts & Figures)
Apple isn’t just a tech company but a whole ecosystem. Since its founding in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, the company has completely changed the way we use technology. Whether it’s the iPhone in your pocket, the MacBook you use for school, or the AirPods you never take off, the company’s products are everywhere. Here’s a quick and easy way to remember some of Apple’s most famous products and services:
- iPhone – The best-selling smartphone in history.
- Mac & MacBook – The go-to computers for creatives, students, and professionals.
- iPad – Making tablets actually useful for work, art, and entertainment.
- Apple Watch & AirPods – Redefining wearable tech.
- Services – Including Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV+, and the App Store.
How Big is Apple?
Apple is literally one of the most valuable companies in the world. Let’s drop some crazy numbers:
- Annual Revenue: Over $400 billion.
- Global Employees: Around 160,000+ people.
- Active Apple Devices Worldwide: More than 2 billion devices are currently in use.
- Market Value: Apple has been worth over $2 trillion—yes, trillion with a T.
- Major Innovations: Apple leads in AI, machine learning, AR, and privacy tech.
And they’re not stopping anytime soon. Apple is heavily investing in AI-powered Siri, self-driving car tech (Apple Car rumours, anyone?), and carbon-neutral product designs. So yeah, interning here means working at the centre of tech’s future.
Summer Internship
You know how people say that internships are just a step in the right direction as you make your way on the way to something bigger? Well, Apple’s Summer Internship is a full-on rocket launch. This 10 to 12-week program is designed for students who want real-world experience in one of the most advanced work environments ever. Unlike some internships where you just observe from the sidelines, here, you’re expected to contribute to actual projects that millions of people might use one day. So, whether you’re a computer science major looking to build software for iOS, a marketing student wanting to understand Apple’s branding strategies or an engineering nerd obsessed with hardware and chip design, this internship lets you work directly with the company’s experts. And yes, you get paid really well too (we’ll get to that later).
Where Does Apple Offer Summer Internships?
Apple has its biggest intern hubs in the USA, but they also have positions worldwide. Here are some of the top locations:
- Cupertino, California (Apple HQ) – The holy grail of tech internships. If you’re here, you’re working at the heart of Apple’s innovation.
- New York – A hotspot for marketing, business, and TV+ internships.
- Austin, Texas – One of the company’s fast-growing corporate offices with tech and finance roles.
- Seattle, Washington – The home of the company’s machine learning and AI development.
- London, UK & Germany – Perfect for European applicants looking for engineering, design, and business internships.
- China & India – Apple has hardware production and R&D centers, making them a great spot for engineering students.
How Long is the Internship & What Do You Get?
- Duration: Usually 10 to 12 weeks, running from May to August.
- Perks: Interns get access to Apple’s training programs, mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, and even product discounts.
- Work-Life Balance: Despite its reputation for being intense, Apple values creativity and teamwork, so you’ll still have time to enjoy your summer.
Types of Internships
Apple isn’t just about writing code and assembling gadgets; it’s a huge ecosystem that needs talented interns in the software, hardware, design, business, and even legal fields. Here are the top internships, so you can find the one that suits you.
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Software Engineering Internship
If you love coding, app development, or AI, this is the internship for you. Apple’s software engineering interns work on real projects that impact Apple’s operating systems, apps, and services. This isn’t some internship where you sit in meetings all day—you’ll be writing actual code, debugging features, and working with some of the smartest engineers in the world. Here’s what you could be working on:
- Developing new features for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and iPadOS.
- Optimizing AI-driven applications, including Siri and iOS machine learning tools.
- Writing Swift, Python, or C++ to enhance iOS native applications.
- Working on the backend infrastructure for the company’s cloud-based services like iCloud and Apple Music.
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Hardware Engineering Internship
Apple is known for its cutting-edge hardware, from M1 & M2 chips to iPhone cameras, MacBook displays, and wearables like AirPods and iWatch. If you’ve ever wondered how the company designs, tests, and manufactures its products, this internship will give you an inside look at the magic behind the company’s hardware innovations. As a hardware engineering intern, you could be:
- Working on Apple Silicon (M-series chips) and helping improve performance and efficiency.
- Testing and optimizing MacBook displays, iPhone batteries, or iWatch sensors.
- Designing and analyzing new materials, durability tests, and thermal solutions for iOS products.
- Assisting in the development of next-gen devices that aren’t even announced yet!
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Product Design Internship
Apple products are known for their sleek, minimal, and functional design. But what most people don’t realize is that every millimetre of a product is carefully engineered to balance beauty, functionality, and durability. That’s where Apple’s Product Design Internship comes in. As a product design intern, you’ll get to:
- Work on the physical design of devices, from iPhones to MacBooks to accessories.
- Optimize materials, ergonomics, and usability to make products more user-friendly.
- Test prototypes and models, tweaking every single detail to perfection.
- Collaborate with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and UX/UI experts.
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Marketing & Business Internship
Apple is not just a tech company but a marketing powerhouse. Their product launches are global events, and their branding is on another level. If you’re a marketing or business student, this internship is your chance to see how the company builds hype, markets its products, and drives insane customer loyalty. As an intern in this program, you could be:
- Analyzing market trends to help plan future product launches.
- Working on global advertising campaigns for iPhones, MacBooks, and iCloud services.
- Managing social media engagement and the company’s online presence.
- Assisting with business strategy and sales forecasting.
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Data Science & AI Internship
Apple is at the forefront of AI and machine learning, using these technologies in Siri, Maps, Face ID, and predictive text. If you’re into data science, AI, or analytics, this internship will give you the chance to train machine learning models, analyze massive datasets, and improve the company’s AI-driven products. Here’s what you could be working on:
- Training AI models for Siri, making it smarter and more responsive.
- Improve recommendation algorithms (like the App Store, iMusic, and TV+).
- Analyzing customer behavior and trends to enhance the company’s digital services.
- Working with privacy and security teams to ensure AI features remain user-friendly and secure.
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Legal & Global Security Internship
Apple is heavily focused on privacy, security, and legal compliance, and they need smart interns to help them navigate complex tech laws, cybersecurity risks, and intellectual property rights. As a legal & security intern, you could be:
- Assisting with privacy law research and compliance with global regulations.
- Working on cybersecurity strategies to protect products and customer data.
- Reviewing contracts, intellectual property filings, and corporate policies.
Internships for High School Students – Early Career Programs
If you’re a high school student and you’re already dreaming about working at Apple, you’re not alone. While most people assume the company only hires college students and graduates, it actually has early career programs designed for high schoolers, too. These programs aren’t traditional internships where you get an office job and work full-time, but they are an incredible way to get early exposure to the company’s work culture, technology, and innovation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the opportunities available for high school students at Apple.
1. Student Developer Program
Apple is all about empowering the next generation of developers, which is why they launched the Apple Student Developer Program. If you’re into coding, app development, or just want to learn how iOS apps work, this is one of the best ways to start. This program is designed for students who want to:
- Learn the programming language used for iOS and macOS app development.
- Develop real iPhone and iPad apps with the help of engineers.
- Get mentorship from experienced developers.
- Attend the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) as a student scholarship winner.
2. Swift Student Challenge
If you love coding but want something more structured and competitive, Apple’s Swift Student Challenge is a perfect fit. This is a global competition where students create an app project using Swift and Swift Playgrounds. Why is this challenge such a big deal?
- It’s hosted by the company itself, meaning winners get recognized by one of the biggest tech companies in the world.
- If you win, you get exclusive access to engineers, mentorship, and even a ticket to WWDC.
- You get to showcase your skills on a global platform, which looks amazing on college applications and resumes.
3. Retail and Customer Experience Internship
Not every Apple career is about coding and engineering. The company also offers opportunities for students interested in business, marketing, and customer service. If you’ve ever been inside an Apple Store, you know that employees are trained to provide top-tier customer experiences. The company offers retail internship programs for high school students where you can:
- Work in a store and learn how a global retail brand operates.
- Gain business and sales skills by helping customers understand the company’s products.
- Learn about digital marketing strategies and how the company promotes new product launches.
- Get mentorship from store leaders who can guide your career path.
4. Swift Coding Programs
If you have zero coding experience but you’re curious about how apps and software work, Apple’s Swift Coding Programs are designed just for you. These are free courses and workshops that help students learn the basics of coding using Swift, the company’s own programming language. Here’s why these programs are awesome:
- They don’t require any prior coding knowledge—perfect for beginners.
- They use Swift Playgrounds, an interactive app that makes learning fun and engaging.
- Apple offers online courses and in-person coding sessions, depending on where you live.
- Completing these courses can help you qualify for more advanced programs in the future.
5. High School STEM Programs
Apple is known for supporting STEM education, and it partners with several organizations to provide science, technology, engineering, and math programs for high school students. These programs vary by location but typically include:
- Workshops and mentorship programs where students learn about AI, robotics, and software development.
- Hands-on engineering projects, sometimes hosted at the company’s facilities.
- Scholarships and funding opportunities for students interested in STEM careers.
Salary & Benefits
If you’re wondering whether Apple internships are paid, the answer is yes, and they pay REALLY well. The company is known for offering some of the highest internship salaries in the tech industry, with interns earning more than many full-time jobs. These internship salaries vary based on role, location, and experience level, but here’s a rough breakdown:
- Software Engineering Interns: $45 – $60 per hour ($7,500 – $10,000 per month)
- Hardware Engineering Interns: $40 – $55 per hour ($6,500 – $9,000 per month)
- Product Design Interns: $35 – $50 per hour ($5,500 – $8,000 per month)
- Marketing & Business Interns: $30 – $40 per hour ($4,500 – $6,500 per month)
- Data Science & AI Interns: $40 – $60 per hour ($7,000 – $10,000 per month)
Salary Comparison – Apple vs. Other Tech Internships
Apple’s internship salaries are among the highest, but how do they compare to other big tech companies?
Company | Avg. Intern Pay (per hour) | Monthly Salary Estimate |
Apple | $45 – $60 | $7,500 – $10,000 |
$40 – $55 | $6,500 – $9,000 | |
Microsoft | $40 – $55 | $6,500 – $9,000 |
Meta (Facebook) | $45 – $62 | $7,500 – $10,500 |
Amazon | $35 – $50 | $5,500 – $8,000 |
Acceptance Rate & Competitiveness
If you’re wondering whether Apple internships are competitive, let’s put it this way. It is harder to get into this internship program than at some Ivy League schools. The company receives tens of thousands of applications every year for a limited number of spots, making it one of the most competitive internship programs in tech. However, Apple doesn’t release official acceptance rates, but based on industry data and former interns’ experiences, here’s an estimate:
- Software Engineering Internship Acceptance Rate: ~2 – 3%
- Hardware Engineering Internship Acceptance Rate: ~3 – 5%
- Business & Marketing Internship Acceptance Rate: ~5 – 8%
To put that into perspective, some Ivy League schools have higher acceptance rates than Apple interns!
Eligibility Criteria
Apple internships are open to:
- Undergraduate students currently enrolled in a college or university.
- Graduate students (Master’s & PhD candidates) for research or engineering roles.
- Recent graduates (some programs accept grads who have finished within the past year).
Educational Qualifications & Work Experience Preferences
- Software & Hardware Internships – Requires experience in computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields.
- Business & Marketing Internships – Requires coursework or experience in marketing, business administration, or finance.
- Product Design & UI/UX Internships – Requires a background in design, industrial engineering, or human-computer interaction.
Apple Internship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Apple internship applications open in the early fall (September – October) for the following summer. To apply, begin by:
- Find open positions on the Apple Jobs Portal or on LinkedIn.
- Prepare and update your resume and cover letter.
- Fill out the application, ensuring all details are accurate and tailored to the position.
- Submit your application online through the careers portal.
- Complete an online assessment (if required for the role).
- Some roles, especially in software engineering, require coding tests or problem-solving challenges.
- Expect behavioral and technical interview rounds, focusing on problem-solving, creativity, and role-specific skills.
- Attend initial phone or video interviews.
- Complete the technical or final interview rounds.
- Receive the offer and complete the onboarding process.
Summary
The internship at Apple is an incredible opportunity for students and fresh graduates to gain hands-on experience in software engineering, hardware design, marketing, business, AI, and more while working on real projects that impact millions of users worldwide. With competitive salaries ranging from $7,500 – $10,000 per month, top-tier benefits like relocation support, networking events, product discounts, and the potential for full-time job offers, the company’s internship program is one of the most competitive and rewarding in the tech industry. The acceptance rate is low, but strong technical skills, relevant experience, and a passion for the company’s mission can help candidates stand out.