Final answer:
Apple has developed strong brand loyalty by leveraging international comparative advantages and excelling in product design, marketing, and innovation; resulting in a product that stands out in the competitive smartphone market and showcases effective global collaboration in its production.
Step-by-step explanation:
By differentiating the iPhone and meeting its target market's needs better than its competition, Apple has built a brand loyalty. Apple's strategic use of the global platform to produce the iPhone has capitalized on the concept of comparative advantage. Utilizing the engineering and design skills prevalent in the United States, the assembly efficiencies in China, and component production expertise in Korea allows Apple to offer a high-quality product that is both innovative and competitively priced. The synergy of these elements contributes to creating an iconic device and a strong market presence, where Apple enjoys advantages through specialization and innovation by each participating country.
For example, while the iPhone is associated with Apple, many components like screens and computer chips are produced by Samsung, a rival phone-maker. This interdependency in international trade is a testament to how focusing on strengths can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. Thus, Apple's ability to source components and services globally has helped cement its status in the smartphone market and its remarkable brand resonance.