$1.$ What are Apple$$s core competencies? Be specific.

$2.$ Perform a SWOT $($strengths$,$ weaknesses, opportunities, and threats$)$ analysis for Apple and consider how that

relates to competitors$$ actions. What conclusions do you draw? Note: For Apple and its competitors, an opportunity for one firm essentially represents a threat to another.

$3.$ At what stage of the industry life cycle would you place smartphones? What are the strategic implications?

$4.$ Apple is pivoting from a more product$-$oriented company $($e$.$g$.,$ iPod, iPad, especially the iPhone and, more

recently, the Apple Watch and Air Pods$)$ to a more service$-$oriented company. Why? What are some of the challenges and opportunities with this pivot?