Since the very successful sales of iPhone and iPod, Apple adds more than 10,000 full-time employees in fiscal 2008. Eighty percent (80%) of the new employees were designated to Apple’s retail segment with 50 new stores that was inaugurated in 2008. Steve Dowling, Apple spokesman, did not disclosed where the remaining 20% were designated.

Furthermore, Apple has shelled-out over $1.1 billion in its research and development expenses for the year 2008. This figure is a claims a 40% increase from the 2007 R&D expense.

Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple said in October that its 2008 earnings climbed 38 percent to $4.83 billion. People snapped up 6.9 million iPhone 3Gs during its first full quarter on the market.