Apple increases staff and store count during 2012

Apple has filed its 2012 annual report, documenting a rise in employees and retail stores through out the year.

Submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the report shows Apple has increased it's full-time employees to 72,800, up from 60,400 last year.

The company also employed 3,300 temporary workers and contractors, up 2,900 from last year with 42,400 staff now working in the firm's retail division, increased from last years 36,000.

After dismissing head of retail John Browett after less than a year of service earlier this week, Apple increased stores to 390 from 357 worldwide, earning an average of US$51.5m per store.

A further 30-35 new stores are expected to open in 2013, with 75% of those located outside the US.

With the report designed for current and prospective investors, the tech giant lists a number of risk factors which could affect investments in the company.

Included in the risks are: "[Apple] could be found to have infringed on intellectual property rights", the ability to "successfully manage frequent product introductions and transitions" and "the Company's ability to obtain components in sufficient quantities."

The company plans to pay a dividend unlike last year, saying it "expects to pay quarterly dividends in the future."

Apple's new iPad mini will be released on November 2, with Kiwis first in line for the new product.