Apple appears to be doubling-down on software over hardware when it comes to hiring new employees right now.
For the first time in years, Apple now has more software job opening than hardware. According to a new report that analyzed Apple’s job listings, Software Engineers became the most in-demand employees at Apple starting in Q3 and the trend is still holding strong.
Photo: Thinknum
As of February 27, 2019, Apple had about 1,360 job openings for Software Engineers. There are about 1,070 listing for Hardware Engineers. Retail job openings are the third most popular right now with about 404 positions currently posted.
Analysts have debated for years whether Apple is really a hardware company or software company. Apple got its start selling Apple I computer boards in 1976. However, the company has been lauded for its easy-to-use software too, whether it was the original Macintosh or original iPhone, both of which were masterpieces of hardware engineering too.
Why Apple needs to focus on software
Putting a bigger focus on software would be a welcomed improvement for many Apple fans. Apple’s hardware teams have turned the iPhone and iPad into powerful processing devices, but a lack of software features have held the iPad back from reaching its true potential.
Services are also becoming an increasingly important business for Apple. Apple Music, iCloud, Apple Pay are all software features. Apple’s also reportedly developing software that will provide video streaming subscription services, magazine subscription service and maybe even a video game subscription service.
Most of Apple big software improvements for 2019 are set to be revealed this summer at WWDC 2019. Early rumors have suggested the developers’ conference is set for June 3 – 7 in San Jose. An official announcement should be coming from Apple as soon as this month.
