"My Apple retail experience seems to match that of everyone else's; happy as a kid in a candy store to be granted the opportunity to work for your favourite company," said another employee. "Once the retail sense and tremendous workload and under appreciation kick in, the veil is lifted. However, I learned customer service skills from working with Apple that are unparalleled anywhere else."

When asked whether working for Apple has had a positive impact on each employee's future, the respondents said that potential bosses had been impressed to see Apple on their CV.

Finally, 9to5Mac asked Apple past and present employees whether or not they agreed with NYT's article.

"To a certain extent," said one respondent. "They're pushing our limits a lot, which develops us as employees, but causes burnout quickly amongst most when not compensated enough. I don't mind the work at all, but honestly, the pay isn't that great as a mid-20s-year-old. Everything else (benefits, discounts, stock-plan) have been amazing."

"Making Apple much more money than they pay me means nothing to me," another respondent said. "It pays my bills and at the end of the day that's what matters. I worked at another high-profile technology company, which also made lots of money. And I was making less than I'm making at Apple."