"is Apple desired more or less than Google/Facebook/Twitter?" I think for a developer it is less simply because developers are not willing to deal with the per

"is Apple desired more or less than Google/Facebook/Twitter?" I think for a developer it is less simply because developers are not willing to deal with the perceived island culture. Developers are all about practicality and getting things done. Apple is all about style, design, and one button mice. Imagine stepping through the door on day one and being handed a black turtleneck, one button mouse, and being shown to your uncomfortable work futon, and btw, mandatory meditation hour is every day a 8, 10, and 3. That's probably not realistic, but that is the perception I have. But from a career perspective a job at any successful place like apple is going to be golden, it just may not fit every person's needs. "how selective is Apple" I think all the places you mention are probably going to be very selective, accepting anywhere from 0.5-5%.