The first step in the process is an invitation-only hiring interview at Apple. This offer came about 3 weeks after i submitted my interest online. The process is consistent with everything I read posted here to date.
For this 2-hour block, in brief: greeting where you are handed an iPAD to enter all your details, the staff are "clapping" when you enter a room (yep.. it was odd, but that's the Apple culture), view videos about Apple, an icebreaker (eg: sharing one interesting point about yourself), a small group interview, a quick one-to-one interview with more senior management, and also a quick technical test (verbal).
In my group there were about 20 of us and about a dozen Apple staff. The interviewers were (or perhaps "mostly" were) actual Apple staff from across the board and not an out-of-house hiring company. Pay close attention to videos and try to recall details - they will ask questions about it. All candidates get a chance to say something at some point. The staff will be listening to everything pouring out of your mouth - and Apple staff are taking notes. Mega-tip: be brief. Be relaxed, happy and engaged. This first meeting is really sussing out Apple "fits" and those they won't gel with the Apple culture. They are very up front about this. If you ARE serious, you will easily answer what they want to hear - and so you will ask questions, ask about what certain roles are, get more details, you will be curious. And yes, you really (really and honestly) must know something about Apple products. The technical questions baffled me, but I did know about the one particular Apple software I love to use. Tip: at least know comfortably ALL the basics that come with the products you use (and mensch.. you better have some Apple products - they can tell:-)