Referred by a friend and applied online. The process took about 8 weeks.

The recruiter reached out with an email containing initial screening questions four weeks after applying. After responding to the email, a 30-minute first round was scheduled with a member of the hiring team, about one week later.

After the first round, which went very well, the recruiter responded with positive feedback three to four days later and provided an overview of the next panel rounds. However, I was kept in the dark for the next few days. Finally, two weeks later, I received an email stating the team had made the "difficult decision" to move forward with another candidate due to their "current business needs."

The candidate experience was very bad in this case. I was unsure and confused as to why there was positive feedback for the first round, followed by a rejection email without the next rounds being scheduled. This was a completely unfair process.

This was a very bad experience for the candidate. I expected better processes and prompt, candidate-friendly communication, especially from a company like Apple. I am very disappointed.

Cannot disclose due to NDA.