A smart experienced (because he had detailed technical knowledge) recruiter dropped me a line through linkedin. After a few HR screenings. I was scheduled for a couple of 30-min skype phone interviews. I was asked very good questions. It was obvious that they knew what they were talking about. No trick questions at all. The questions were directly related to what I claimed to know in my resume.
After a week, I was scheduled for an onsite interview (7 45-min sessions). Interestingly each interviewer belonged to a specific area (developer, architect, QA, Security, designer, etc.). The lunch was also an informal interview with a very nice and smart guy.
Again, the interview questions were very reasonable. They were not looking for pure geeky stuffs, but they wanted to make sure I was familiar with the basics of software engineering. There was a huge emphasis on production support and stability in all sessions from different viewpoints.
Before the onsite interview I had some doubts to leave my current good job and relocate to Cupertino. But after that I loved the env and really wanted to work there! By the way, Apple was so generous to cover the travel expenses (sort of better than my other business trips!)
Long story short, they did not contact me for about 2 weeks, until I learned that the hiring manager collected the team feedback and sort of liked me. But not for the software engineer position, he somehow found me overqualified and recommended for a project lead role.
So I am back to the step one! No offer, no rejection. I may have to fly there again... We'll see what happens. Like I said I am very happy with my current position. But working at Apple is a dream! I had seen and heard that Apple changes the world. But in the headquarter, I could feel it vividly. A balanced mixed of different skills to deliver cool solutions.