iPhone maker Apple increased its headcount by 12,600 employees for the year-ended September, as the technology giant strengthened its research and development (R&D) activities, the company said in a recent regulatory filing.
Well known for its innovative product lines -- iPhones, iPods, Mac computers and iPad -- Apple saw its headcount rise 34 per cent to 49,400 in the year ended September 25. In the comparable period, the same was at 36,800.
"As of September 25, 2010, the company had approximately 46,600 full-time equivalent employees and an additional 2,800 full-time equivalent temporary employees and contractors," the filing said.
The substantial increase in the employee strength came at a time when the Steve Jobs-led entity saw its annual revenues soar to $65.23 billion.
In the year-ended September 26, 2009, Apple had 34,000 full-time employees and an additional 2,500 temporary employees and contractors.
Apple's recruited thousands of employees at a time when many companies worldwide were either trimming their staff strength or going slow on hiring activities.
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According to the filing, the rise in headcount also pushed its R&D expenses in the year ended September 25.
"R&D expense increased 34 per cent or $449 million to $1.8 billion in 2010 as compared to 2009. This increase was due primarily to an increase in headcount and related expenses in current year to support expanded R&D activities," it noted.
Stressing that the company is facing aggressive competition, Apple said that focused investments in R&D is critical to its future growth.