This story is very sensational and pretty wildly inaccurate. Like many companies, your experience at Apple will vary based on which group you join. I wouldn't call my series of interviews more daunting than any other major Silicon Valley company, and there's no "sneaky effect" of having you set up your machine. I had someone help me set up all the software I needed.
These types of articles that synthesize a few anecdotes from a particular group into a grand vision of the inner workings of the company are getting pretty tired. Apple is a great company, but the day-to-day really doesn't differ that much from most other companies.
> Apple pays for new employees' lunches. According to a former employee, "There is only one free lunch, and it's on your first day."
That's what practically every company is like, isn't it? Has been in my experience. Except most companies also buy you lunch on your last day, if you leave on amicable terms. And I guess you get free lunch if someone else gets hired on your team and you get invited along.
These types of articles that synthesize a few anecdotes from a particular group into a grand vision of the inner workings of the company are getting pretty tired. Apple is a great company, but the day-to-day really doesn't differ that much from most other companies.