I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Apple (Cupertino, CA) in Dec 2019
Interview
After my friend sent the referral, the recruiter got back to me very fast. Had a 15-mins phone screening with the recruiter. No technical questions just some background, status, timing stuff. Then I had an interview with a technical manager. I was asked about my experience, especially the ones related to design. Then I was asked the classic cantilever beam questions. Make sure you have a good understanding of the definition of stress, stiffness, buckle, etc. Do review your "Strength of Materials" and "Mechanical Design" courses!
Thanks to everyone who contributed here. I passed the first round and went to the second. I got the design challenge named "push-button design for the iPod battery cover". Spent 5 days to make the 3D model and slides. Did some FEA. Was then told they didn't see it as a good match.
If they like your design, they will bring to Cupertino.
Interview questions [2]
Question 1
You have 4 beams. Beam 1 has a 3*3 cross-section. Beam 2 has a hole in the middle so the cross-section is 8 units in area. Beam 3 is an I-beam with thickness in 1 everywhere. Beam 4 is the H-beam which is the same in cross-section as Beam 3. Which beam is the strongest?
Recruiter called to provide information and helped arrange interview. Then phone interview with person from the team. The recruiter was very informative and helpful. The person from the team was also nice and was nice to talk to.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How remove or reduce deflection of a beam that is hanging.