Apple

Role: Software Developer

College: IIT (On Campus)

Interview Date: 2024-09-25

Interview Type: On-Campus

Result: Not Specified

Difficulty: Medium

Rounds: 3 rounds

Topics Asked: Data Structures, Algorithms (Josephus problem, DFS), System Design (game leaderboard, databases, API design, DNS), Projects, Internships, HR questions

Experience:

Apple visited an IIT campus for a hiring session. Each round was 50 minutes long and started with the interviewer's introduction.

Round 1: Coding Round
Questions included the Josephus problem, for which an analytical solution was sought. Another problem involved a simple DFS, requiring proper code with corner cases and function names. Discussions also covered projects and internships mentioned in the resume. Tip: Don't jump into solutions; show your thought process, start simple, optimize, and handle corner cases.

Round 2: System Design Round
This round focused on designing a game leaderboard for top rankers from different regions, considering reliability, availability, and latency. Other topics included the choice between SQL and NoSQL databases, CAP theorem, database design, and API design. The interviewer also asked "What happens when you type an address on a web browser and hit enter?" followed by questions on DNS and how to design it. Projects from the resume were also discussed.

Round 3: HR Round
This round involved discussions on various projects and internships, scalability of work done during internships, involvement in open-source development, general HR questions, and Apple's work culture.